Move Ya Hips

I can't listen to traditional and neo-traditional Indian music without involuntarily moving my body. Please to enjoy!

My Old Friend

Fade to Black

Best damn solo EVER.

The Perfect Bedtime Story, In French

A most delightful little French child tells of a most harrowing-yet-hopeful tale. Listen, enjoy, pray your future children are as cute as she is. :)

I Have a New Favorite Artist

That would be the talented Mister James Christensen. Just take a look (these are some of my favorites, so far!):

No Regrets

Nothing like Mme. Piaf to express just what I feel. Je t'aime, Mme. Piaf...


FYI:

No, nothing at all, I regret nothing at all
Not the good, nor the bad. It is all the same.
No, nothing at all, I have no regrets about anything.
It is paid, wiped away, forgotten.
I am not concerned with the past, with my memories.
I set fire to my pains and pleasures,
I don't need them anymore.
I have wiped away my loves, and my troubles.
Swept them all away.
I am starting again from zero.

No, nothing at all, I have no regrets
Because from today, my life, my happiness, everything,
Starts with you!

CAPITALISM KILLS THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

It's true, and I know this from both sides of the coin. Most prominently from behind the counter, as the working stiff who has to cater to the greedy hands of the buyers and the sellers. This is made manifest by having to work on Christmas Eve instead of being home with my family relaxing and enjoying their company. Working the day after Christmas - at 5:30 a.m. so people can rudely go out and return the gifts that they didn't like and buy yet even more shit they don't need.

And the same is true for another day of the year that I like to celebrate symbolically: New Year's Day. I'll be CLOSING on New Year's Eve and I'll be opening on New Year's Day - all instead of being home and celebrating the last day of this year and the first day of the new year. I am a somewhat sentimental person... I like the meaning behind these sorts of days and I like to be able to reflect upon an enjoy them. And now I can't, and it's all thanks to Capitalism.

Of course, this is just my little pity pot story - if you watch Michael Moore's new film Capitalism: A Love Story, you'll get a nice strong dose of the evils of capitalism on the grand scale. But for the everyday Judy, such as myself, enjoyment of life is extinguished.

Cry me a river, I know. But it's a noticeable result and I despise it.

And by the way, to the critics: yes, I too am a consumer. We all are. Every human being consumes, and we woud die if we didn't. I buy things I need. I buy things I don't need. Read my post again if you think I am a hypocrite, because what I am saying is that being held hostage to the demands of the general public and the money-grubbing of the capitalists behind the corporations and having to adjust my life and thus sacrafice the enjoyment of my life for this reason, is just the fucking pits. Period. Those of you who work retail know the woes of which I speak.

Do Re Mi

Purely delightful.

Christmas Movies

I've compiled a list of Christmas movies that I like to watch each year and thought I'd share them with you all. In order, here are my top 10 all time favorite Christmas movies.

10. Scrooged
9. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
8. The Polar Express
7. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
6. The Family Stone
5. Little Women
4. A Christmas Carol
3. A Christmas Story
2. Miracle on 34th St.
1. It's a Wonderful Life

Just the Boost I Needed Tonight

Waiting for the Old and Ignorant to Die

A Little Nightcap of Politics

Ah yes, "Fair and Balanced," indeed...

In the Christmas Spirit

I am feeling rather festive today, as I've been preparing Christmas gifts for my family and planning what to give friends and coworkers. I am so excited! I of course love getting a gift or two, but I am having the most joyous time planning gifts for others. Not to mention that we're doing a Secret Santa at work and I know just the thing to get my person (I actually got my boss! Yay!) So tomorrow, my last day off for a while, I will be gathering baking supplies and tins to give as gifts to friends and neighbors, bottles of wine and beer (to my other boss, she likes beer!) for others, and then knocking a few more things off my family's list. To the in-laws we're giving one of those neat electronic picture frames so I also have to get snappin' so they have some cute ones of the girls on there. Not to mention that me and the girls will be making gingerbread men, too. I am just so excited. And secretly, I am really looking forward to my (potential) gift from my husband - my first sewing machine - better than the one I was even hoping for! YAY!!!

I am just so much in a festive and giving mood right now. So here's a little gift for you, dear readers. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Nothing like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir beliting out Christmas carols and hymns. Nothin' better in the way of Christmas music, way I see it...

Two of my favorites:

Multifarious Me

And beautiful Krisha to guide you to sleep...

400 Years

Needed a little funky Reggae today and this fit the bill. Enjoy you some Bob, mon.

Let's make a move... Fools don't see...

My Inner Indian

Today at work we were talking about our alter egos and I just couldn't think on my feet enough at the moment, so of course in true "me" fashion, I just realized what mine is. A beautiful and even sensual Indian woman. I often describe myself as an Indian woman trapped in an American woman's body. I.e., I am not as elegant as many of them are, but I would love to learn. I still have yet to take a belly dancing class, but it is on my short list of to-dos. After the Big Move, I am going to enroll in a yoga class and hopefully even connect up in some way with a belly dance instructor - hopefully they have those sorts of classes there, they're few and far between as it is!

So anyway, next time it comes up at work, I'll be able to tell them what's up!

Giving Thanks

Here's a little something I wrote last year about the Holiday Season, and well, I still feel this way so I thought I'd share it again. :)

Happy Thanksgiving to all - friend, foe, those I know, and those whom I do not. May we all have somewhere to be and have someone to love.

Love to all

***

This is the time of year when my very soul is enlivened by the delicious scents of cinnamon and pumpkin spice, when apple cobblers and pumpkin pies are baked in our homes, when cozy boots, sweaters, and scarves clothe us all, when Halloween, Thanksgiving (my most beloved holiday) and Christmas impend their promised magic, when luscious wreathes adorn inviting doors, pumpkins are carved and their seeds baked, and Christmas music fills the air. The weather cools promising snow angels and icicles for many, when geese leave for winter, when children giggle as they whisper their greatest of wishes to Jolly St. Nic, when homes are warmed by blazing fires, when candlelight flickers and glows in windowsills, when families walk under the night sky to enjoy the neighborhood's lights, when friends stop in to enjoy a glass of mulled wine or spiced cider, when family visits from afar, and when stockings are hung by the chimney with care. When New York City is jiving with rosy-cheeked ice skaters, when Salt Lake City bustles with excited reverence while it's lighted Temple is a beacon in the nights, when choirs raise their voices in joy and praise, when parents become suddenly secretive so as to hide their family's gifts, when life ~ even if just for a while ~ is cheerful and sweet. When we lay aside our cares and worries, when we create with gladness in our hearts the very magic the season is intended for, when we come home and warm the chill from our fingertips, when we watch a little longer the the giddy playing of bundled children outside, when we sip our cocoa and slowly savor the marshmallows just that much more, when pieces of candy canes stick to content children's smiling cheeks, and when we relax in our warmed homes while our children play in the golden and rusty leaves outside. When Halloween begs us to give a trick or a treat, when Thanksgiving reminds us what is really important, when Christmas brings it's resounding joy. When we bring glad tidings to those less fortunate than ourselves.

Oh how I wish this were so year 'round, oh how I wish. Until such a time, I will hold tightly to my season, to the cheer in which my soul so delights!

NieNie on the Today Show

Our beloved Stephanie Nielson is on the Today Show today. Please enjoy, and then go hug your loved ones!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Mine Heart Doth Swell

Man, oh man. This kid makes my heart swell with pride. Have you ever heard a more eloquent and well-spoken 10-year-old in your life?! May this child be blessed with a smooth and clear path in his studies of law in years to come and may the world be in turn blessed with his heart and mind to indeed create and promote 'liberty and justice for all".

I am just beaming right now!!

Long Live the Queen

Last night I had the awesome opportunity to see comedy's Lovable Queen of Mean LIVE! Let's just put it this way: Lisa and I are new BFFs. ;) lol She's great. I had the ballz to go up to her after the show and ask her if she happened to be in need of a professional makeup artist. The door wasn't exactly a closed one...

So anyway, love Lisa. Check her out here, here, here, and here.

Being Thankful

This post is a bit early this year, but, once again, Stephanie Nielson has inspired me this morning with this post.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, my favorite, favorite, favorite. The main reason for this is because there is absolutely no greed involved at any time during the celebration. It is all about the opposite of greed - being thankful. Oh how I love that!

So if I may, I would love to list that which I am so very grateful for - from the important to the not-so-important:

* My husband, through thick and thin
* Our girls, for the joy they bring
* Our home, which keeps us warm
* Our car, 'cause she's trusty
* My job, it puts dinner on the table
* My mind, it keeps me entertained ;)
* The Internet, it keeps me connected
* Seasons, for keeping life interesting
* Autumn, for the coziness it brings
* Change, for the learning
* Hardship, to better appreciate the good
* Friends, with whom to enjoy life
* My cats! No explanation necessary
* Our good country, for opportunity and safety
* Our wonderful president, for his ability and strength
* Comedy, for cheering me on sad days
* Hope, for teaching me to have it

Really, there is much more. So many little things throughout the day that make me smile for feel comforted. Since I was a small girl I have always counted my blessings. And not out of guilt or requirement or fear, but really just because I have always been blessed with the understanding that I need to be grateful for what I have. Perhaps it came out of poverty, or loss, but whatever the reason, one more thing that I am grateful for is a time where everyone gives thanks. It doesn't matter to whom, some it's to their god, for others like me it's to my family, but either way, it is a really warm feeling to know that at least for one day, people across our great country are thankful all at once.

Lastly, please enjoy this warming message from the LDS church. Thank you!

Christmas Linkage!!

OK. So this year I am working hard and saving money for our Big Move. So in lieu of said saving, Christmas this year is going to be more modest than it has been in years past. My husband insists on getting me something, so I told him I'll take on of these and one of these. I will be quite happy with those. Not to mention, my dear, sweet mother-in-law is getting me on of these. I am quite the lucky girl. I know exactly what I am going to get/do for each of our girls, and am still undecided on what to get DH. In fact, he is quite possibly the hardest person to shop for in the history of hardest people to shop for. This is mainly because he doesn't "need anything". Which, in terms of the reality of who he is, it's true. I wanted to get him one of these, but considering the move, I'll wait 'til we're settled into our new abode. Books are always something he'll enjoy, but which book is the real question at hand here. Perhaps a gift certificate? But then he'll just view it as money sitting there that could be used for more practical things. Oy vey, is he hard to shop for! Collections? His are full. Hobbies? None to speak of at the moment.

Sigh. I'll figure it out. In the meantime, I am just workin' my little tail off trying to save up for both Christmas and the move. Not to mention, come January, my hours will be cut down because the Holiday Shopping Rush will have ended. No significant complaints, though. All is indeed well.

Mme. Chanel at Home

If I had the time (and maybe a more intense interest) I would love to study fashion. Moreover, interior design. But Mme. Chanel is a real inspiration to me for her fresh and classic fashion sense.

Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau is one of my top two favorite periods for art, aside from Renaissance. Upon looking at both styles, I see in both a hint of romanticism and simply romance. I love discovering and analyzing things that I like!

Here are some examples:

Not For The Faint Of Heart

This is so not for me, but I know a few people who would love it. *shudder*

If You Can't Do It, The Can Man Can!

LDS Temples

For anyone interested in learning about LDS temples. If anything, they're very beautiful!

Thank God For Acid

Yep, They Do Got Talent

This kid RULEZZZZZ

I Have Just One Thing To Say To You...

OK. Tyra Banks is AWESOME!

You Are The Perfect Gift To The World

On Being a Good Blogger

Well, for starters, I am probably not one. I see a good blogger as someone who has lots of lovely pictures and tutorials and personal anecdotes to share with her readers. While this is what I want and aspire to be, right now I am not. Partly this is because I have yet to find my "voice", hence the name "Un Peu De Tout", French for "a little bit of everything" - because that's what I like, a little bit of everything. And while that can be endearing to some, myself included, it also doesn't create much of a readership of people who want to see what you come up with next. Several blogs on my sidebar have distinct voices and you kind of know what to expect from them. Mommyhood, crafting and/or sewing, cooking, religious stuff. I have a very eclectic set of things that I like, much of which does not fit well together. And while that is all well and good, I seem to have a strong resisitance to blogging about just one or two main topics as I am not totally into any one thing. I am a new makeup artist and maybe I'll find inspiration there, which I would love. I really enjoy Makeup Geek and perhaps I'll find my stride like she has. I love sewing and crafting, but for goodness' sake, I don't even have a sewing machine yet so there's no way that little old me can do any tutorials on making a darn thing. Homelife right now isn't something worth blogging about so that's out too. Maybe I have some readers out there despite the lack of a unifying thread tying some things together. I also am really apprehensive about expressing my political views and that's why I've kept my blog private for so long. I am pretty "lefty" at this point in my life and I know that strong opinions on either side of things are alienating. Yet, it is something that I would kind of feel incomplete without in my life, I really enjoy politics and news. Luckily I get to talk to my husband about all that so maybe I should just stick to talking about it with someone who understands my thinking and luckily agrees with most of my views.

Sigh. Well, I figure I'll keep plugging along and see what comes of it all. As I begin this new stage and career maybe something will arise I had not even expected. That would ne cool!

Your Sunday Lesson

Today's Goodness

Ah yes, the French Press. The only way that I make my coffee in the mornings. It's not that I think it is bad, per se, to use a coffee maker, but I just really like the ultra fresh flavor that comes from coffee brewed in a French Press.

Now that I have plenty of experience using it for coffee, I am going to look into brewing small batches of chai in it. I am not sure if it will work, actually, because every recipe I've read for making chai at home calls for the spices to be boiled for a time so as to fully release all flavors. We shall see. Today, in fact, I am off to one of my favorite local markets to see if I can't find all the spices I need to make me a batch of chai. I am really excited to try! Also, we have these most wonderful neighbors who keep bringing us tamales and other culinary goodness so I am going to bake them a batch of my Pumpkin Crumbles.

Got my work cut out for me, so off I go!

The Many Benefits of Yoga

Physiological Benefits of Yoga
* Stable autonomic nervous system equilibrium * Pulse rate decreases * Respiratory rate decreases * Blood Pressure decreases (of special significance for hyporeactors) * Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) increases * EEG - alpha waves increase (theta, delta, and beta waves also increase during various stages of meditation) * EMG activity decreases * Cardiovascular efficiency increases * Respiratory efficiency increases * Gastrointestinal function normalizes * Endocrine function normalizes * Excretory functions improve * Musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion increase * Breath-holding time increases * Joint range of motion increase * Grip strength increases * Eye-hand coordination improves * Dexterity skills improve * Reaction time improves * Posture improves * Strength and resiliency increase * Endurance increases * Energy level increases * Weight normalizes * Sleep improves * Immunity increases * Pain decreases * Steadiness improves * Depth perception improves * Balance improves * Integrated functioning of body parts improves

Psychological Benefits of Yoga
* Somatic and kinesthetic awareness increase * Mood improves and subjective well-being increases * Self-acceptance and self-actualization increase * Social adjustment increases * Anxiety and Depression decrease * Hostility decreases * Concentration improves * Memory improves * Attention improves * Learning efficiency improves * Mood improves * Self-actualization increase * Social skills increases * Well-being increases * Somatic and kinesthetic awareness increase * Self-acceptance increase * Attention improves * Concentration improves * Memory improves * Learning efficiency improves * Symbol coding improves * Depth perception improves * Flicker fusion frequency improves

Biochemical Benefits of Yoga
* Glucose decreases * Sodium decreases * Total cholesterol decreases * Triglycerides decrease * HDL cholesterol increases * LDL cholesterol decreases * VLDL cholesterol decreases * Cholinesterase increases * Catecholamines decrease * ATPase increases * Hematocrit increases * Hemoglobin increases * Lymphocyte count increases * Total white blood cell count decreases * Thyroxin increases * Vitamin C increases * Total serum protein increases

Benefits of Yoga Versus Benefits of Exercise

* Yoga Benefits
o Parasympathetic Nervous System dominates o Subcortical regions of brain dominate o Slow dynamic and static movements o Normalization of muscle tone o Low risk of injuring muscles and ligaments o Low caloric consumption o Effort is minimized, relaxed o Energizing (breathing is natural or controlled) o Balanced activity of opposing muscle groups o Noncompetitive, process-oriented o Awareness is internal (focus is on breath and the infinite) o Limitless possibilities for growth in self-awareness

* Exercise Benefits
o Sympathetic Nervous System dominates o Cortical regions of brain dominate o Rapid forceful movements o Increased muscle tension o Higher risk of injury o Moderate to high caloric consumption o Effort is maximized o Fatiguing (breathing is taxed) o Imbalance activity of opposing groups o Competitive, goal-oriented o Awareness is external (focus is on reaching the toes, reaching the finish line, etc.) o Boredom factor

*Lists borrowed from the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple website.

Movie Review: Hippie Masala

I just finished watching Hippie Masala, a documentary film about 5 or so hippies that moved to India in the 60s and 70s in search of greater spiritual meaning. It was interesting and even enlightening. It has taken the mysitque out of life in India for me. While the terrain is absolutely stunning, I see what one man says in the film about it being beautiful to a visitor but to those who live there it is what it is. It seems that a woman's life in India is very difficult, too. Men feel that they can expect the women to do all the work, or at least most. One woman who married one of the Eurpoeans said that it was her dream to live out her life single, obviously so she could be in peace.

Also, I have heard that animals, especially cows are very revered in India, but I can't say I saw a life better than those in farms here. I guess I have a strange vision as to how animals should live. I bet if I had a farm people would laugh at me because my animals would have comfortable places to sleep, good food, clean environments, plenty of space, and lots of love - sans any fear of harm or death.

All in all though, an interesting film. I like learning about India and it's culture. I found it not too surprising that one man said that you could live there for 50 years and never be fully accepted. I wasn't too surprised because the same is true here. You will always be viewed as a foreigner, and will never be seen as only a member of that society.

Verdict: I am happy here in the States. I love my freedoms, I love belonging at least somewhere. I am an American, and that does mean something.

Rose Lassi

Right now I am drinking my very first rose lassi. A traditional Indian drink used to aide digestion or is just simply enjoyed after meals. I may not have made it the best or right way, as I imagine it should taste a little better than it does. I added real rose petals so maybe next time I won't. Or maybe I won't add the rose water and see how that tastes. As I've been drinking it, I thought that a mint lassi would be good. We didn't grow mint this year because it pretty much takes over our garden so I'd have to get a bunch at the store, but it may be worth it.

Here's a recipe, for those so inclined:

LASSI:

About a cup of plain (unsweetened) yogurt {or indeed use sweetened and just don't add sweetener afterward}

rose water (can be found in Asian markets, but be careful which you get, mine seems fake...)

rose blossoms (optional)

A few teaspoons of honey (until it's sweet enough for you)

Whizzz it up in the blender (until it's frothy and smooth)

When There is No Pebble Tossed

Ripple by the Grateful Dead, one of my all-time favorite bands. Needed some Dead today.

Because of One Great Man

Today is the National Day of Non-Violence. This is because it is also the celebration of Gandhi's birth. Two great days in a row: yesterday was Vegetarianism day, and today this. Awesome. Gandhi was my first Hindu inspiration. As previously noted, I feel very connected with all things Indian, but as Indian culture is not very prominent in the States, I hadn't heard of this great man until I was in my teens. Now that I study Hinduism and Indian culture more academically, I have found it to be a pleasure to get to know this man more. The most beautiful part to me is that his message didn't die with him. Through his courage and efforts he is known, and thus his message is known. The UN recognized Gandhi's contribution to the world and has codified this day to be a national day of non-violence. I think he would be most pleased even if it is only one day. It is a start in the right direction.

Dear Naysayers:

What a crying shame that this couldn't have been determined during Michael's life. I have ALWAYS been a strong M.J. supporter and never believed that he was bleaching his skin. He said he had vitiligo and I believed him. He was healthy at time of death, contrary to many reports that he was weak and depleted. How very sad that his life ended so soon, that his childrens' father has been forever taken from them, and that the world lost the best, nay, the GREATEST star the world has ever known.

Love ya, Michael. Wish I could have met you...

Jesus H. Christ Hangin' on the Cross

These people (Phelp's people) are so. fucked. up. I am so grateful that I don't live anywhere near them. Oh my god...

Ms. Rai-Bachchan

Does it get better than this? I think not.

The Most Awesome Country/Rock Collaboration Ever!

Jack White and Loretta Lynn. Sweet.

This is Just... Comical

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near YOU!

Can't wait.

Wow. Just Wow.

Something this cool couldn't even be imagined by the most creative of (earthly) minds. The Leafy Sea Dragon is my new favorite sea creature. Just fascinating and marvelous. What a beautiful world we live in.

A Message of Love

I absolutely love President Monson. If I could have the chance to sit down and have lunch with him, I would pour my heart out to him and seek his advise.

Dirty Dancer

R.I.P. Mr. Swayze. My mother was one of your biggest fans, and I was always fond of you, too. My favorite movie with Swayze was Overboard.

May you rest in peace, dear brother.

Bach's Toccata Fugue in D Minor

The End of the World

As we know it, that is...

Gay Banditos

Funnyman Lewis Black on how "the gays" are indeed a very real threat to the American family.


(FUCKIN' CONSERVATIVE DICKWADS!)

Nirvana: Not Just a Pretty Band

Although I could list nearly all Nirvana songs as my favorite, I must admit that their rendition of the Meat Puppets' Lake of Fire is rad.



Hell, may as well post Plateau as well. Good stuff. Brings me back. I don't know if they were really the good ol' days, though. But certainly formative.

My Latest Envy

I totally want to get all of Kat Von D's makeup line. I recently ordered her Sinner fragrance and can't wait to try it. If I like it I am going to buy its "alter ego", Saint. THEN I really just want to get her whole collection. I mean, I am a huge Bare Minerals devotee, and probably always will be (I've recently applied to a local counter - fingers crossed!), but Kat's collection is just pure awesomeness (much like her). I just love the dark, rocker colors - unapologetic for their nightwalker flare and hardcore edge. Basically, I want Makeup Geek's job. *GRIN*

Travlin' At The Speed of Light

One of the greatest rock bands of all time and one of the greatest songs they ever made. LOVE it!

I Have Just One Question For You...

Oh No, Mr. Maher!

Boy howdy. I couldn't agree more with Bill and the other two reasonable people on his panel. The woman, well, what can I say? She's been brainwashed the same as literally billions of other "believers" have over the centuries that religion has had it's terrible reign. My hope is that as we finally progress intellectually, religion will be washed out and reason, logic, and critical thinking will take it's place.

JOE PESCI DOESN'T FUCK AROUND

The Lovely Kat Von D!

What a fox! She's also a really cool chica and has a lot of sass. I like her a lot. I want her to do my next tattoo down in West Hollywood, I'm thinkin' early next year sometime. As a winter solstice present to myself.

It's like my friends say about me: I'm pretty much a mix between Kat Von D and Martha Stewart. The best of both, I like to think. ;)

Love

Seeing this just reaffirms my stances on what I do believe in and what I do not. I am so grateful to live in a free country; I am so grateful that I haven't been brainwashed by religion; I am so grateful to have felt love as a child despite the hardships; I am grateful for my open heart and mind.

And You Too, Mr. Carrey

We Love You, Mr. Farley

Dia de Lost Muertos

This sugar skull is the template for my next tattoo. I like the basic layout and will only be changing a few features like colors and getting rid of that ghastly cross in the middle of it's head. Pretty sweet, though.

Behive Girl

The lovely Emily Martin created this beautiful painting and oh how I want it! She is such a marvelous artist; she really captures something mysterious and delicate about her subjects.

Sew You Think You Can Sew?

I LOVE this sewing room!!! I can't emphasize that enough. Envy. Total envy. But actually what's even cooler is designing your own. I don't have that kind of space, but I know one day I will - and I am taking notes from the above. Gorgeous. Especially that chair! And the green dresser, and the Mac computer! Yowza!

Mme. Chanel

Mme. Coco Chanel is one of my few female inspirations. Such class, such style, such beauty. Je veux qu'elle avait...

Not to mention that the brand itself is très magnifique! I wear Coco Chanel Mademoiselle.

Mme. Isabelle Boulay

Yet another lovely French singer. She's amazing!

Dose of: What The...?!

The Little Sparrow

I recently watched La Vie En Rose about Edith Piaf. I don't know if it was intentional, but her given nick-name, Piaf which means Sparrow originally came from The Little Sparrow, and her most beloved Catholic Saint was Saint Thérèse de Lisieux, The Little Flower. Interestingly (to me) she was the saint that I had chosen for my confirmation in the Catholic church when I was 16 years old. My patron saint, if you will.

What an incredible voice rooting in a life of such sorrow and tragedy. Oh my. Life is amazing like that though. For some odd reason, there are the times and the people in those times who cease not to enchant years and years after their prime.

Greensleeves

GREENSLEEVES (1580)

Alas, my love, you do me wrong,
To cast me off discourteously.
For I have loved you well and long,
Delighting in your company.

Chorus:
Greensleeves was all my joy
Greensleeves was my delight,
Greensleeves was my heart of gold,
And who but my lady greensleeves.

Your vows you've broken, like my heart,
Oh, why did you so enrapture me?
Now I remain in a world apart
But my heart remains in captivity.

chorus

I have been ready at your hand,
To grant whatever you would crave,
I have both wagered life and land,
Your love and good-will for to have.

chorus

If you intend thus to disdain,
It does the more enrapture me,
And even so, I still remain
A lover in captivity.

chorus

My men were clothed all in green,
And they did ever wait on thee;
All this was gallant to be seen,
And yet thou wouldst not love me.

chorus

Thou couldst desire no earthly thing,
but still thou hadst it readily.
Thy music still to play and sing;
And yet thou wouldst not love me.

chorus

Well, I will pray to God on high,
that thou my constancy mayst see,
And that yet once before I die,
Thou wilt vouchsafe to love me.

chorus

Ah, Greensleeves, now farewell, adieu,
To God I pray to prosper thee,
For I am still thy lover true,
Come once again and love me.

chorus

français deux - UPDATED

Today I start my Beginning French, part 2 evening class. I am SO excited! It's been a year since I completed part 1, but I think I will do fine. The cool thing is that I am basically taking the class for pleasure - I haven't really done that before. I mean, I am seriously kicking around the idea of studying French at university and ultimately becoming a French professor at a local JC or university, so the class is advancing me in that direction. But basically this is two birds with one stone: fun and functionality. Hey - how P.C.! I'm jazzed, though. The nice part is that it will be my one and only class so it will be my whole academic focus. I have one job that I will start next week, and have an interview for another today. But with the one today I am just going to be straight up with her (there's really no reason not to - I'd only be hurting myself) about the fact that I have another job (which means that it is my first priority in terms of scheduling) and a night class two days a week. If she is willing and able to work around that then I'm in business. I would love to be able to have two days a week off - preferably Tuesdays and Thursdays - the days I have my class so that I can study and go into the language lab without having to rush. Maybe that will work out - I'll have to talk that over with my boss from my first job.

Anyway, I am happy. I have something to look forward to for the rest of the year (French) that really doesn't cost all that much money (I will be using my elementary French book from the first class as this one is just an extension of that one - sweet!). I would love to take the bellydancing lessons, but I am more interested in saving my money for the potential move to SLC come next spring. We'll have to see how things go this year with the new custody arrangement, less money, me working two jobs, etc.. I figure we'll be able to decide with more clarity whether or not to move by the new year.

Oh yeah, and one more piece of good news? Come Saturday, autumn will be officially one month away. So one more lovely month to enjoy the warmth and prepare for fall. I don't mind the wait - it makes it really good!

Gotta go prod the daughter off to school now. More soon.

UPDATE:

Well, went to the class thinking the above to be true about it not costing any extra, but alas even though I have the main textbook, there was three additional texts that we needed to buy and because the class is only four units, I didn't qualify for financial aid (the min. being 6 units) so it would have been an additional $168 out-of-pocket expense just to take the class. I unfortunately can't afford that so it'll have to wait. I'm not too bummed, surprisingly. I can just focus on work and subsequently save for my big move. For that I am so very, very excited! Next year, less than a year, actually - the countdown is ON!

Movie Review

So I know I'm a good year late on getting around to finally seeing Emma Smith: My Story, but nonetheless, it was well worth the wait. What a lovely story, so elegantly and fairly told by Candlelight Media Group.

It's a must-see for members of the church, and a highly-recommended for those who simply love history. Excellent film. And what a remarkable woman!

Oh Me of Little Faith

What will be left when I've drawn my last breath
Besides the folks I've met and the folks who've known me
Will I discover a soul-saving love
Or just the dirt above and below me

I'm a doubting Thomas
I took a promise
But I do not feel safe
Oh me of little faith

Sometimes I pray for a slap in the face
Then I beg to be spared cause I'm a coward
If there's a master of death
I bet he's holding his breath
As I show the blind and tell the deaf about his power

I'm a doubting Thomas
I can't keep my promises
Cause I don't know what's safe
Oh me of little faith

Can I be used to help others find truth
When I'm scared I'll find proof that it's a lie
Can I be led down a trail dropping bread crumbs
That prove I'm not ready to die

Please give me time to decipher the signs
Please forgive me for time that I've wasted

I'm a doubting Thomas
I'll take your promise
You've always kept me safe
Oh me of little faith

~ Nickel Creek, Doubting Thomas

Could They Get Any Cuter?

I don't think so.

H to the 2 to the O

Pellegrino is my new favorite drink, and in fact has been what I've been using in place of any soda cravings as I've officially kicked soda (and beer, let's be honest) out of my life.

Ah, sparkling water...

Be Still My Soul

Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: The hour is hast'ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Ah yes, the Sweet Life

Once again, Sweet Life hosts a most marvelous giveaway, in which I have entered in hopes of winning the most charming apron. *fingers crossed*

Oh Me, Oh My!

Yet another awesome giveaway from Progressive Pioneer! Giving away some Emily Sparks goods! Check it out!!!

Faith

Handmade Wooden Toys

Progressive Pioneer never faileth to bring the goods. A marvelous giveaway of gorgeous wooden toys from The Wooden Wagon.

Move on ahead and enter, silly!!

Another Lovely Giveaway!

Sweet Life in the Valley is hosting a great giveaway with goods from Down East Basics! Head on over if you want a shot at a new stitch!