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"its the, N-O, T-O, R-I, O U-S, you just, lay down, slow...
Cali got gunplay, models on the runway
scream - Biggie Biggie, gimme one more chance!"
- "Going Back to Cali", by Biggie Smalls
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one of the song selections in Musically Challenged this week is a hybrid of "Between the Sheets" by The Isley Brothers and "Big Poppa" by the Notorious B.I.G.
however:
1. my favorite Biggie song, hands down, is "Going Back to Cali" and
2. i really wanted to post this shot today!
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to note:
having lived in California my entire life, save for a brief stint in NYC, i think i can safely say that most CA natives are not fond of California being shortened to "Cali". it's been likened to calling San Francisco, "Frisco", which i'm told is loathsome to SF natives.
it's only mildly annoying, though. ;) and it helps to suss out if the speaker is a native or a transplant.
i can't think of other examples right now, aside from New Yorkers being irritated by someone calling it The Big Apple. and someone told me recently that Detroit natives are annoyed by the mention of "South Detroit" in Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" as there is no South Detroit proper.
i'm not sure why, but this sort of thing fascinates me.
- Rush, Freewill
Today has been a big pile of suck. I went to bed last night with a tiny bit of a runny nose, feeling totally exhausted. I slept like crap and woke up this morning with my nose still running. Once I got to the office, the runny nose developed into a full on nose attack. All. Freaking. Day. My nose and lip are completely raw from sneezing and blowing my nose. I just downed some Emergen-C, so hopefully that'll help kick this cold quickly. So frustrated because I have soccer tonight and there's no way I'm missing this game. So I'm going to be playing drained of energy and probably dripping snot all over everyone. Awesome! At least it's almost the weekend.
**Explored**
365 Days (self portrait): Day 303
Musically Challenged: Freewill - Rush
52 Weeks of Feeling Fit: Week 4
- Ani DiFranco, Shameless
Ever since I was about twelve years old, I've suffered from major self image issues. Even when my body is "skinny" for me, I still feel too curvy to be pretty. Of course, the amazing thing about this 365 Day self portrait project is that I've grown more comfortable in my own skin. And I have so many of you to thank for that. Not in any direct way, but really, when you become so immersed into the 365 community, you sort of go along for the ride with other photographers as they conquer their own self image issues. Or you watch enviously as other photographers bare themselves in ways you might cringe at, all with a sort of "yeah, this is me, you got something to say about it?" attitude. So in getting to know all of you, I believe I've made some big strides in conquering my largest insecurity, which is my own body.
It helps to be a part of such a supportive group of photographers who are also tackling the challenge of getting healthy and losing weight. The 52 Fit group has really helped me to stay on track with my resolution to make 2010 the year that I took back my life, lost the weight, created new healthy habits, and became gorgeous in my own eyes again. So thank you to all of you who are involved with 52 Fit.
As I draw closer to the end of my 365, I've been starting to wonder what comes next. Do I immediately dive back in for a year 2? Do I take a break and focus on my wedding? What if I stop shooting a photo every day and somehow lose what I've learned up to this point? What if I commit to another year and fail miserably? These are all questions I don't have the answers to yet. So bear with me while I mull all of this over in the coming weeks.
365 Days (self portraits): Day 345
TOTW: Insecurities
Musically Challenged: Ani DiFranco - Shameless
Hairodynamic: Anonymous Hair
“I am an excitable person who only understands life lyrically, musically, in whom feelings are much stronger as reason. I am so thirsty for the marvelous that only the marvelous has power over me. Anything I can not transform into something marvelous, I let go. Reality doesn't impress me. I only believe in intoxication, in ecstasy, and when ordinary life shackles me, I escape, one way or another. No more walls.” - Anais Nin (Incest: from a Journal of Love)
I don't know where I am
I don't know where I've been
But I know where I want to go
- Bright Eyes, The First Day of My Life
Do you ever stop and think about your life and realize you've been focusing on entirely the wrong things? I don't mean like having your priorities in the wrong place, though that's usually unsettling to realize too. I'm talking about that realization that you're just looking at things entirely the wrong way. Worrying about the stuff that's really inconsequential - the stuff you can't change anyway. I had one of those moments this week.
It's rough coming to grips with that. For real. But now that I have, I feel so much better. Stronger, more focused, and more determined than ever to chase down my dreams. And I think I needed that slap in the face because I was really starting to drift for a bit there.
I got a ton accomplished today - both on my book and with my photography endeavors. Feeling really good about that. I refuse to let anyone tell me that my dreams are stupid or unreachable. That's just the bullshit that people spew when they don't understand why you're chasing your dreams in the first place.
So many of our dreams seem impossible. But I believe that we all have within us the ability to make our dreams a reality if we just put our nose to the grindstone, sacrifice a little sweat and tears, and refuse to accept defeat. I've seen the most improbable dreams come true for others. And I intend to become one of those people.
I will make my dreams happen if I spend my whole life trying.
Musically Challenged: Bright Eyes - The First Day of My Life
So I had this vampire shot planned for today. And I got all bloodied up, took my shots, washed myself off, uploaded and fell in deep and passionate hate with every single picture. So I scrapped that and ran upstairs to take a few quickie shots while I still had some daylight. And I kind of love the way they turned out. This is my first foray into the cliche hair flip, so while it may be tired and predictable, it's not for me, and I've been really wanting to give it a go. So there you go. Today's last ditch effort turned into something I'm rather proud of. More in comments (as usual).
Had a client meeting today at my client's place of business. Which is a thriving bar in the Detroit metro area. We spent the first fifteen minutes discussing his charity poker room in the basement. I've got to get in there and play sometime. Which reminds me that it's been far too long since I was last at the blackjack tables. I practically lived there during law school. I need to make that happen. As soon as I get paid. :)
Soccer tonight! We're playing the team that apparently is the roughest in our league. Effing cannot wait. I hope somebody gives me a reason to get nasty tonight. When I was younger, I used to rack up more fouls than the rest of my team combined. I was a little bruiser. I'll let you know how it goes!
**Explored**
365 Days (self portraits): Day 296
Musically Challenged: Grace Potter - Cortez the Killer
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i've had a hell of a time lately. photo-slash-Flickr wise.
i think i've uploaded 3 images in the last week alone only to remove them but moments later. i've got no follow through. i'm second guessing bits i never think to guess at in the first place, usually.
my very favorite sort of photos to take are ones that look like i've stolen a moment from random stranger(s). any sort of landscape or cityscape or what have you is, in my opinion, often made heaps better with someone in it. or a few someones. and definitely not posed someones.
shoot. where was i?
anyway. something is off and i'm fairly certain it's me. i just can't seem to produce anything that i'm satisfied with, which is ridiculously irritating.
someone please beat me relentlessly about the head till i've got all this sorted...?
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title from one of the weekly songs in Musically Challenged.
i had a tough time deciding which one i liked best. and i'm sort of a little bit in love with both photos. humble, what? me? ;)
(so, if you have a preference...)
Man Met Brill gave me "Asleep on a Sunbeam", by Belle and Sebastian for Musically Challenged .
i'd not heard the song previously. but the lyrics are so lovely in this languid, summertime, falling headfirst into love, sort of way. which made me excited to hopefully capture a moment of that in some fashion.
so, yesterday evening, before the sun had set, i threw on a long, flow-y dress, scurried up to a neighbors front lawn and set the timer on my camera a dozen or so times while i made little prancing motions and tried not to notice passerby looking at me oddly.
the leaves were crunchy beneath my toes, the grass soft and it all sort of perfectly matched the song.
__________________
When the half light makes for a clearer view
Sleep a little more if you want to
But restlessness has seized me now, it’s true
I could watch the dreams flicker in your eyes
Lying here asleep on a sunbeam
I wonder if you realise you fascinate me so
Think about a new destination
If you think you need inspiration
Roll out the map and mark it with a pin
I will follow every direction
Just lace up your shoes while I’m fetching a sleeping bag, a tent...
Another summer’s passing by
All I need is somewhere I feel the grass beneath my feet
A walk on sand, a fire I can warm my hands
My joy will be complete
Don't you know we're in this love together
We got the kind that lasts forever
We're in this love together
We got a lot of time for love forever and ever~~~~~~~Al Jarreau
It's a Precious Thing <------Listen.....
I love nothing more than the ocean....we have a great love affair....always will!
Last of my musically challenged...had such a fun week with it.....thanks to all my friends who joined..meant so much to me.....keep playing....great songs every week.
"Come oh come ye tea-thirsty restless ones - the kettle boils, bubbles and sings, musically"
(Rabindranath Tagore - Indian Poet, Playwright and Essayist, Won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, 1861-1941)
This Chai wallah was preparing tea at sunrise at Munshi ghat along the Ganges in Varanasi (Benaras).
I don't drink chai however I enjoy the scent of those spices blending with in the milk, I could smell this alaround the ghat which was still empty so early in the morning.
Chai from India is a sweet aromatic spiced milk tea, also known as masala tea, which is consumed by millions of people each day, just as we in the West drink coffee.
Masala tea or chai is a blend of spices, the most common being cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper, mixed with a rich black tea, milk, and a sweetener.
This warming and soothing concoction, brewed by street vendors in India, called chai-wallahs, is boiled in a pan on the stovetop for a few minutes, then strained into a cup.
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Please do not use any photographs without permission (even for private use).
The use of any work without consent of the artist is PROHIBITED and will lead automatically to consequences.
submission for FU64 Challenge, round two
alt title: "ella ella, eh eh eh". except that the alt title would be three years too late and terribly unclever.
instead we'll call this "Street Spirit" after the Radiohead song that Man Met Brill chose for Musically Challenged. because, honestly, i'm a little bit, or a lot, in love with all of the songs he chose.
and even though this particular Radiohead track is actually pretty dark and where the hell is the light at the end of the fucking tunnel like we were promised, dammit!?! it's still a gorgeous song.
and, um, i AM on a street...
right. so, this is me. with a brand new, giant, rainbow umbrella. i've been wanting one of these for years. seriously.
and saturday marked the first day that it was properly winter (in southern california, at least!) and i got to retire the flip flops! i love my flat boots. loads and loads of joy.
and though normally i contrast my photos all to fuck and saturate the hell out of them, i tried to not go too overboard.
________________
Street Spirit by Radiohead
I can feel death, can see its beady eyes
All these things into position
All these things we'll one day swallow whole
And fade out again and fade out again
Immerse your soul in love
a little over a week ago, Spider-Man was arrested.
seriously.
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LOS ANGELES -- A Spider-Man impersonator was arrested Wednesday afternoon after he allegedly slugged a man near the Hollywood and Highland complex.
This stretch of Hollywood Boulevard is populated by celebrity and movie character impersonators who vie for tourists' attention and tips. Officers arriving on the scene found several different people dressed as Spider-Man.
They stopped one Spider-Man, but it wasn't the suspect. However, the second one was.
This incident isn't the first of its kind.
Two years ago, authorities held a "super-hero summit" designed to reduce tensions among the impersonators and performers.
That meeting was prompted in part by an incident in which a Star Wars Wookiee allegedly head-butted a tour guide.
In other incidents, Mr. Incredible, Elmo the Muppet and the dark-hooded character from the movie "Scream" were arrested for being too aggressive with tourists.
Freddie Krueger was also taken into custody for allegedly stabbing someone. No charges were ever filed.
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(how fucking awesome are multiple superheros committing crimes?! ok, not 'awesome', but still...!)
yesterday, Ali posted her ten weekly song selections in Musically Challenged. i fell a little in love with the one i chose for today on an episode of Grey's.
i took this photo in back in August but had forgotten about it until i heard about The Best News Story Ever.
the day i shot this, i became fast friends with "Michael Meyers" from 'Halloween', hockey mask, machete and all.
___________________________
"Trouble is a Friend," by Lenka
Trouble he will find you no matter where you go, oh oh
No matter if you're fast, no matter if you're slow, oh oh
He's there in the dark, he's there in my heart
He waits in the wings, he's gotta play a part
Trouble is a friend, yeah trouble is a friend of mine
I walk barefoot where the water drowns the sand...
With you no longer here to hold my hand,
I let go,
I let go.
The ocean makes my swollen heart feel small.
With the sounds it makes, you won't hear it if I call..
I let go,
I let go.
There's a breeze in the air,
There's a boat anchored out here,
There's a calm under the waves..
As I choose to sink.
Your skin protected me from sunbeams,
Your hands made sure I'd stay intact,
I let go,
I let go.
You were always there to walk me home,
With you not here, the streets I roam.
I let go,
I let go.
There's a breeze in the air,
There's a boat anchored out here,
There's a calm under the waves..
As I choose to sink.
With your voice in my head,
I could float here instead,
But there's a calm under the waves..
So I choose to sink.
I'm tired now, I'll see you when I wake up.
I've heard it's pretty where you are.
I let go,
I let go.
Calm Under the Waves by Maria Mena
today was a meh day. but i have to learn to deal with the meh days. it's one of those days where i wish i was in a relationship, but then i realized how much work went into one and i have those feelings where i have to deal with it.
but do you know that feeling of butterflies in your stomach and you get all flustered and your not yourself when you like someone? yeah i really really really like that feeling too, and i dont want to turn it off, but currently i cant be liking anyone, well its at least not convenient! ugh!
project 365: day 315
musically challenged: Calm Under the Waves by Maria Mena
TOTW: It's Magic - the ocean's healing powers
TRP: balloons
photo collaboration with Grace Gebhard
full stops and exclamation marks
my words stumble before I start
how far can you send emotions?
can this bridge cross the ocean?
- La Roux, In for the Kill
Still fighting this stomach bug. But feeling a little better today, so hopefully this is the end of it. I've had the luxury of editing from home today but tomorrow I have a full day and all of it is out in the big wide world, so that means I have to get off the couch and stop with the constant need for my bathroom being five steps away thank you very much.
Hope you guys are having a significantly better start to your week than I am.
Musically Challenged: La Roux - In for the Kill
I have kinda been in a weird place the last few weeks. Not sure how I feel about Flickr and some of the stuff that goes on around here. Or even why I bother taking photos......
I wanted to do an HBCCT photo for today but I didn't know what to do, so I checked out Musically Challenged for inspiration. Thats where I found this song: Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen!. I sat and listened to it and started smiling and I realized that this was exactly what I needed. The photo doesn't matter, it's the message of the song.
Baz Luhrmann - "Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen!" If you can't listen then just read it :-)
Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of '99...
Wear Sunscreen
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience…I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh nevermind; you will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked….You're not as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing everyday that scares you
Sing
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts, don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss
Don't waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind…the race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself.
Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life…the most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds know still don't.
Get plenty of calcium.
Be kind to your knees, you'll miss them when they're gone.
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't, maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't, maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary…what ever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your choices are half chance, so are everybody else's. Enjoy your body, use it every way you can…don't be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, it's the greatest instrument you'll ever own..
Dance…even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.
Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.
Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents, you never know when they'll be gone for good.
Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go,but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography in lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.
Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you'll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair, or by the time it's 40, it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen...
Happy Big Cushy Chair Tuesday everyone !
I was tagged by Toni_Catherine quite a while ago to do this:
Name: Jason
Gender: Male
Age: 41
Where You're From: South Dakota
Eye Color: Hazel/green
Hair Color: Brown
Favorite Sport: Snowboarding
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Band: Rush
Siblings: Two brothers and one sister
Tattoos: none
Piercings: none
Hobbies: photography, sports of almost any kind, drinking beer, being happy!
I was also tagged by emeraldgirl to take a photo of my favorite rings/necklace, jewelry, etc. and explain why it is your favorite. Well....I don't wear any jewelery, not even a watch and for that matter I don't wear any accessories of any kind. No hats, no sun glasses, no nothing. The only thing I put on everyday other then clothes are my contacts, so I can see!
(8 of 52)²
- Corinne Bailey Rae, Like a Star
**Explored**
I am so excited over Ashley's picks for the weekly challenge songs this week in Musically Inclined. We have very similar taste in music, so she chose a few that I absolutely adore. The rest I'm looking forward checking out. This song is one of my favorite Corinne Bailey Rae songs. And I ADORE her. This cd takes me back to when Andy and I started dating and moved to Kansas. The lyrics to this song and the lyrics to Trouble Sleeping felt like they were written about us. Andy's actually the one who introduced me to Corinne. I was listening to Put Your Records On when I drove away from my parents' house. That song still makes me tear up when I listen to it. If you haven't listened to this woman, you are doing yourself a huge disservice. Check her out.
And now I have to hop in the shower so that Andy and I can head out to Buffalo Wild Wings to meet friends and watch football. I'll catch up on all of your shots when I get home later! Happy Sunday, everyone!
365 Days (self portraits): Day 222
Musically Challenged: Like a Star - Corinne Bailey Rae
a giant thank you to everyone who played Musically Challenged this week. so many of you participated and oh, i feel like the prom queen! and the images everyone paired with the songs blew my damn mind. i think it's clear by now that i've got the most ridiculously talented flickr friends.
i'll be back later to make sure i give you all the proper adulation you deserve.
kisses and huge squeezes!
well, to everyone who played, that is. the rest of you can get fucked. you're dead to me now.
i kid! i kid!! i promise i still love you all equally and thoroughly.
ps, go HERE to check out everyone's stellar work.
Danger will follow me now
Everywhere I go
- Lissie, Everywhere I Go
I spent the day shopping with my mom. Very excited to have finally bought Andy's Christmas present. And I negotiated the price down!! Right there in the store! I don't do that often (who does?), so I was particularly proud. I can't tell you what I got him because sometimes he checks in on my stream, but I'll be sure to let you know how much he loves it on Christmas day. Because I just know he's going to love it! :) Also found the remainder of my Christmas gifts for the family, so now all I have left to do is wrap and I'm done! Is it wrong that I bought myself a couple new items too? I was in desperate need of some new dressy pants and a few cute new dressy tops, so I snagged those for myself at the 40% off sales. All in all, a great day of shopping. I feel like I accomplished a lot.
When I got home, I was exhausted and so not in the mood to shoot a picture. So I shot a few really horrible quickie shots in a big cushy chair for Dreamy's HBCCT group. When I uploaded them, I just couldn't stomach the absolute pathetic quality, so I went downstairs, threw on a wig and some makeup and decided to actually put forth a little effort. Have to say I'm fairly pleased with how this shot wound up. Very glad I took a second shot at today's picture. My inspiration today was actually Theme of the Week's theme: It's All in the Details. I find composition really jumps up a few notches on the visual scale when you pay attention to the little details. Which is why I went for the gold fingers and added the ring to complete the makeup look. Also, I'm clearly in a bit of a wind-blown phase. Expect more of these. ;) What do you think? Success?
Musically Challenged: Lissie - Everywhere I Go
Theme of the Week: It's All in the Details
Beautiful, gifted and musically very artistic Celtic Harpist Sarah Marie Mullen at FreeStone park in Gilbert Arizona. I often listen to her music while I edit photos.
This is the original uncropped image taken for the CD cover of her new album We Brought the Summer With Us. And yes that really is a real harp up in the tree with her. Thank you Sarah for using my photo for your cover.
For more info see www.sarahmariemullen.com
Special thanks to my assistant Twig the Fairy during this shoot for both arranging this session and for being so very helpful with unique and creative posing and lighting. It was Twig's idea to have Sarah pose in the tree. I found that Twig is not just a very beautiful model but also an amazingly talented photographer too. Thank you Twig I have learned so much from you.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera and Canon EF 85mm F/1.2L II USM lens
Britney Spears~Circus
There's only two types of people in the world
The ones that entertain, and the ones that observe
Well baby, I'm a put on a show kind of girl
Don't like the back seat, gotta be first
I'm like the ring leader, I call the shots
I'm like a firecracker, I make it hot
When I put on a show
I feel the adrenaline moving through my veins
Spotlight on me and I'm ready to break
I'm like a performer, the dance floor is my stage
Better be ready, hope that you feel the same
All eyes on me in the center of the ring,
Just like a circus
When I crack that whip, everybody gonna trip,
Just like a circus
Don't stand there watching me, follow me,
Show me what you can do
Everybody let go, we can make a dance floor,
Just like a circus
There's only two types of guys out there
Ones that can hang with me, and ones that are scared
So baby, I hope that you came prepared
I run a tight ship, so beware
I'm like the ring leader, I call the shots
I'm like a firecracker, I make it hot
When I put on a show
I feel the adrenaline moving through my veins
Spotlight on me and I'm ready to break
I'm like a performer, the dance floor is my stage
Better be ready, hope that you feel the same
All eyes on me in the center of the ring,
Just like a circus
When I crack that whip, everybody gonna trip,
Just like a circus
Don't stand there watching me, follow me,
Show me what you can do
Everybody let go, we can make a dance floor,
Just like a circus
Let's go
A-a-aha
Let me see what you can do
A-a-aha
I'm runnin' this
Like, like, like like a circus
Yeah
Like a what?
Like, like, like a circus
All eyes on me in the center of a ring,
Just like a circus
When I crack that whip, everybody gonna trip,
Just like a circus
Don't stand there watching me, follow me,
Show me what you can do
Everybody let go, we can make a dance floor,
Just like a circus
All eyes on me in the center of a ring,
Just like a circus
When I crack that whip, everybody gonna trip,
Just like a circus
Don't stand there watching me, follow me,
Show me what you can do
Everybody let go, we can make a dance floor,
Just like a circus
I touch no one and no one touches me.
I am a rock,
I am an island.
And a rock feels no pain;
And an island never cries.~~~~~~~~Simon and that other guy! =)
I've Built Walls... <---kick ass tune...
For this week's Musically Challenged chosen by the beautiful Shannon
I discovered this amazing light source (a set of three antique ship lights used to illuminate our dining room table) while settling in to read a good book with my glass of Pinot Grigio. Needless to say, good book abandoned for the night. (What is this good book, might you ask? Well, it is Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann.)
I forget myself, I want you to remind me.
Quiet moments today. Kind of savoring them. I've got my manimals curled up and napping on either side of me and I'm just soaking up the silence and the little puppy and kitty snores. Trying to push away the unsettled feelings and just enjoy the little things right now.
Musically Challenged: Divinyls - I Touch Myself
Created for The Hypothetical Awards' 4th Annual, Musically-Themed challenge..."Album Cover Design!"
Tatuanna Volkovina and Katrina Winwood (yes, teenaged granddaughter of Steve Winwood of Traffic fame) are a Russian/British duet group who's music reverberates with flashes of Pussy Riot and transcendence of Donny and Marie Osmond. Catapulted into super stardom with their hit single "Cumma Cumma Take me", they persistently flaunt their rambunctious wherewithal towards the establishment and all its decadent trappings
For anyone interested, an "outtake shot" from the photo session can be found Here
Rammstein - Engel
Rammstein in the choir, with a fantastic voice, unique!
Great! So and now I'm lost for words ;o))
Reed Pauley and Tom Anderson in Chicago Tribute Anthology challenge each other musically and otherwise.
no words, my tears won't make any room for more,
and it don't hurt like anything I've ever felt before,
this is no broken heart,
no familiar scars,
this territory goes uncharted...
- Sara Bareilles, Uncharted
Despite the painty tears, today is a good day. A great day, actually. Feeling whole. Feeling happy. Feeling hopeful. I'd spend more time going on and on about how today is such a breath of fresh air for me, but I've got more important things to do and (no offense) far more important people to do them with. Love you guys. ;)
My Face is My Canvas: Emulation Challenge Week 107
Musically Challenged: Sara Bareilles - Uncharted
I have become comfortably numb.
Oh yes, that certainly is a real bee on my face. I had the shivers the whole time I was shooting this. I hate bees. And they hate me. But this guy was dead, so I figured I would probably be ok.
Spent some time today cleaning our house and swapping out the framed photos on our gallery wall. Until now, we've had up a series of black and white photos that I took long before I got serious about photography. So they've been kind of an eyesore to me for a while now. The gallery wall is definitely still a work in progress...I will be adding more framed prints whenever I can actually afford to buy more frames. But for now I have to say I'm thrilled with the new face lift. Some of my favorite shots from my own collection, and some of my favorites from my friends Jenna, Joel and Brian Day as well. Now our wall makes me happy! :)
My Face is My Canvas: Emulation Challenge #90
Musically Challenged: Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd
TOTW: Freakish
For musically challenged group, mycuteladybug posted her 10 songs, of which Let It Be by The Beatles was the one I chose to represent this photo.
This is my daughter, peeping over the ledge to our apartment, hair dangling in the wind. I shot it with a very low depth of field, so the railing in the front looks almost invisible. I particularly like her hair how it contrasts against the background and the blown out highlights in the sky.
--
The Beatles - Let It Be
And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me,
shine until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be, .....
Two weeks in NOLA for the mardi gras 2017
Founded in 1993, the Krewe of Orpheus takes its name from the musically-inclined son of Zeus and Calliope. Founding members included Harry Connick, both the junior and senior.
In New Orleans, the krewe established themselves as a superkrewe with their first parade in 1994, which rolled with 700 riders. They were the first super Krewe to allow both male and female riders.
The Krewe's throws include a number of popular items including emblem beads, stuffed animals, signature beads, light-up Orpheus medallion beads, cups, three different types of doubloons, and 4-foot-long stuffed dragons.
They have a number of notable floats including the Dolly Trolley, the horse-drawn bus that was used in the opening of Hello Dolly with Barbra Streisand, the Smoking Mary which is a six unit float that looks like a steam locomotive, a Trojan horse and the Orpheus Leviathan Float, which is a three unit, 139-foot float, and the first Carnival float to use extensive fiber optic lighting.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Fats Domino wass the honorary grand marshall for 2014. His eldest son, Antoine Domino III, rode in the parade and perform his 85 year old father's music.
In addition to Fats Domino, Quentin Tarantino reigned as the krewe's celebrity monarch.
her name is Mouse.
i wasn't trying to be clever, honestly. when i brought her home from the shelter i was determined to name her Baxter, but it just didn't suit her no matter how much i wanted it to.
it was 2001 when i decided to get my first cat. after having spent a half hour or so in The Room of Cats at a local shelter, i had initially chosen a different furry critter.
but as i went to exit the room to place my order up front, a delicate gray paw reached out between the bars of her cage and touched my shoulder lightly. i looked into big green eyes and changed my mind in two point three seconds. the next morning i was picking up my brand new little gray ball of fur.
---
since getting my new lens on monday, i've managed to shoot nearly every mundane piece of life around me.
nothing extraordinary, nothing particularly interesting on it's own, but i'm smitten with every single shot. it's actually pretty ridiculous. how does one exist prior to owning a 50mm lens? i mean, seriously.
---
i've been a terrible Flickr-ite lately and owe several million comments. to be remedied very, very soon! i totally suck.
in the meantime, this is for Ali's last day of songs in Musically Challenged
_____________________
"The Denial Twist," by The White Stripes
"and the soul plays the role of a lost little kitten but
you should know that the doctors weren't kidding
she's been singing it all along
but you were hearin' a different song
yeah, you were hearin' a different song."
#1 Godspeed You! Black Emperor: Saturday 3/27/2011 @Cabaret Metro in Chicago
As a photographer, I looked forward to Portishead the most this year. I'd already taken a ton of dark grainy photos of Efrim Menuck already to be honest and I wasn't exactly looking forward to another grueling time of it. Yet, being the person I am, I couldn't resist taking them either. I saw all three nights of GY!BE in Chicago and the only reason why Sat. was the best was really because it was the longest-between 2 1/2 hours and 2hrs.45min. And, as much as I adore Portishead musically, Beth Gibbons couldn't compete with Godspeed. In another year, she would have been #1 but this time, it had to be GY!BE.
For more photos and a review of this show: gapersblock.com/transmission/2011/03/28/reviewphotos_gods...
My friend James Ziegenfus reviewed the previous night at the Metro with more photos by me:
gapersblock.com/transmission/2011/03/27/review_godspeed_y...
#2 Portishead: Tuesday, 10/13/2011 @ Aragon Ballroom in Chicago
Ah yes, this is probably what most people expected to be #1. Beth Gibbons was extremely high up there on my people to photograph before I die. Now, to tell you the truth, all that seems to be on that list is Bjork and a bunch of French recluses. This show was quite phenomenal and I was glad I decided to get back into the center of the venue after photographing the first 3 songs (where it sounded really great and there weren't people talking) I actually started to have a panic attack as I was entering the photopit because I'd been anticipating it for so long and I had to hit myself in the face several times to jolt my nervous system.
That is not an exaggeration.
More photos of this show with a review by John Dugan here:
timeoutchicago.com/music-nightlife/music/14981803/portish...
#3 Julianna Barwick: Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park: Saturday, July 16th, 2011 in Chicago
People, rarely do I cry this hard on a Saturday morning without any tragedy involved. Seeing Julianna Barwick was something like a religious experience for me. If you get a chance, do see her! Amazing musician both live and on record.
More photos and live review here: www.bigtakeover.com/concerts/pitchfork-music-festival-hig...
My interview with Julianna Barwick here: www.bigtakeover.com/interviews/an-interview-with-julianna...
#4 Besnard Lakes, Tomorrow Never Knows Festival at Lincoln Hall in Chicago: 1/13/2011
Though Besnard Lakes came back a second time this past year, this show was definitely the better one. The songs were still great and the performance exceptional for the latter one but the sound mix wasn't as good as this first one where they really blew me away. They've become an exceptional live band instead of merely just an accomplished one. Truly memorable, forceful at all the right moments and gentle still in the perfect remainders of the evening.
Read a review of the show my Michelle Meywes with more photos here: gapersblock.com/transmission/2011/01/14/review_the_besnar...
#5 A Place to Bury Strangers: Do Division Festival at Division Street and Damen Ave. in Chicago 6/5/2011
Awe is a word that comes to mind when I think about this powerful performance where I literally thought anything could easily happen. There was such excitement in the air combined with such thrilling and solid music behind it that it seemed like every cell in my body was literally scrambling like eggs...and I loved it.
#6 Blonde Redhead: Downtown Sound Series at Pritzker Pavillion in Millennium Park, Chicago 7/18/2011
There is something to be said about hearing a setlist that includes all of your favorite songs. You really can't beat that. When I first started seeing Blonde Redhead a decade ago, the band was downright creepy. They had virtually no stage presence and there was little difference between the record and the performance except the weird pseudo chemistry between Kazu and Amedeo. The years have made an improvement on the band live. Theirs is now a more mature sound and interaction style. They even brought mood lighting this time.
More photos and a review of this and the (in comparison) sadly disappointing next night at the Bottom Lounge here:
www.soundcheckmagazine.com/reviews/2626-review-photos-blo...
#7 The Flaming Lips perform The Soft Bulletin at Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, 7/7/2011
Keeping the confetti factories in business, The Flaming Lips returned to Chicago with their plethora of large sized balloons and lazer hands. Even more meaningful was the fact that they played one of my favorite albums from university that I never thought I'd be able to hear front to back live and I was very thrilled to see them both nights playing the album as if they had just released it only with a great deal of solid practice of the songs in a live context obviously. Well, they were excited and so was I!
More photos and a synopsis by John Dugan here: timeoutchicago.com/music-nightlife/audio-file-blog/148443...
#8 Woods at Subterranean in Chicago: 7/16/2011
I believe I saw Woods about 5x last year in two separate states. The photo in the montage is actually from Pfork fest and there was minimal difference between their set at SubT and their set at the fest except for the fact that SubT is a much smaller club and I could stay for the entire set as I was not running around. In any case, this band makes me so weak in the knees people. I think that Jeremy casts a spell on me every time whether he realizes it or not.
More photos from their Pitchfork Music Festival set with a review here: www.bigtakeover.com/concerts/pitchfork-music-festival-hig...
#9 Wild Flag at Subterranean in Chicago 7/23/2011
I'm pretty sure years from now, people will gather around and say, "I can't believe you saw Wild Flag in a venue that small. What was it like?" I'll probably just say "It was amazing!" Though, really if you see Carrie Brownstein play at any show, you are bound to see such amazing energy between her kicks and laying down on the stage. But there was even more anticipation for this show than any of the other shows they've played in Chicago by post Sleater Kinney fans and that also helped made it great. The crowd adored the band and the band knew it and seemed to play all the better for it.
#10 Low at Lincoln Hall in Chicago 4/21/2011
Both Low's show at Lincoln Hall and at Pritzker later on were something I will treasure and, truly, every time I see the band I have an acute pain in my chest out of love for their songs. The main difference is that the set at Lincoln Hall was slightly longer, which is why I am saying it deserves this spot in the list over the other night in Millennium Park.
Review and photos at Lincoln Hall:
www.bigtakeover.com/concerts/low-lincoln-hall-chicago-ilt...
Review and photos at Pritzker Pavillion on 6/27/2011
www.soundcheckmagazine.com/featured-content/2616-review-p...
#11 Yo La Tengo at Cabaret Metro in Chicago 2/4/2011
Some people remember this show much differently in that they were so annoyed that Ira, Georgia, and James spent about a half an hour re-enacting a Seinfeld episode (the one where they are all waiting at the Chinese restaurant) after a fan spun the wheel and chose this option. But those people were clearly missing the fun of seeing what great personalities the band has and relishing in the very enjoyable enactment. Oh, and the songs were great as usual too.
More photos here:
timeoutchicago.com/music-nightlife/audio-file-blog/174963...
#12 Deerhunter at Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago 7/17/2011
In some ways, it does feel a little wrong to place Deerhunter on this list, mainly because I missed about 10 minutes of their set photographing Toro y Moi (though, I swear I could hear Deerhunter the whole time from the other end of the field anyways). In any case, I decided that the fact that I missed a bit of the set wasn't the band's fault and what I did hear was fantastic as always, making the impression that they have truly come into their own greatness.
More photos and a review here:
www.bigtakeover.com/concerts/pitchfork-music-festival-hig...
#13 Thee Oh Sees at Woodsist Fest at Henry Miller Library in Big Sur, California 7/31/2011
Seeing Thee Oh Sees is ALWAYS great fun but the reason why this time was best out of the other times I saw them this year is that West Coasters don't really know how to mosh, even to incredibly energetic garage rock with two drummers and, to be honest, I like it that way. No, really, big 300 pound 6ft2 dude..you can keep your elbows and gut to yourself because I don't want them!
More photos from this on Pitchfork here; pitchfork.com/news/43402-photos-woodsist-festival-big-sur...
#14 Smith Westerns at Lollalooza in Grant Park in Chicago 8/05/2011
Here's another one that I was relishing in and had to leave midway through as my friend Brandon Lee can attest to. I thought I was going to melt into the ground and sob my eyes out. But, know that sometimes us concert photographers have to make our own sacrifices and instead of dwelling on it any farther, I'll say that I did manage to see most of this set and what I saw sent soundgasmic chills down my arms and legs. I will be at the Metro show on 2/3/2012 and boy will I be happypants then!
More photos on Pitchfork here: www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150350971016000.40840...
#15 Parenthetical Girls at Subterranean in Chicago 6/8/2011
I've waited about 5-6 years for this band to come back and, though their lineup has changed, it's still Zac Pennington that was and always will be the main crux of the band. This band is incredibly unique, always bizarre, perhaps a little scary to the casual music fan who prefers only soundtracks and accessible upbeat choruses. But, as in a great deal of deep art, you either get it or you don't and I feel very deeply that Zac Pennington is quite remarkable and fascinating. Also, no matter how small the venue or the crowd, Zac performs his heart out in a way that few can lay claim to.
Here's an interview I did with him in April while vacationing in Portland: www.bigtakeover.com/interviews/an-interview-with-zac-penn...
#16 Art Brut at the Double Door in Chicago 6/15/2011
Sometimes, every show seems less fun in comparison to one featuring the likes of Eddie Argos. Argos is candid, insightful, sometimes filled with an emanating genius with some jolly stage antics to boot. He has an amazing backup band but they'd be nothing without his witticisms on life that show forth in his music.
For a full review with more photos of this show see:
www.bigtakeover.com/concerts/art-brut-the-double-door-chi...
#17 White Fence at Woodsist Festival at Henry Miller Library in Big Sur, California 7/31/2011
Those who know me are pretty confident in my love for psychedelic pop music. I loved Darker My Love and this newer incarnation White Fence but I had been disappointed when I saw them at The Empty Bottle earlier in the summer during the night of the freak summer hailstorm. This definitely made up for it as the band was in top form and was definitely one of the highlights of the festival.
More photos from this fest on Pitchfork here; pitchfork.com/news/43402-photos-woodsist-festival-big-sur...
#18 Dum Dum Girls at Empty Bottle in Chicago 2/25/2011
There is such a fantastic excitement that Dum Dum Girls bring to their shows every time but I preferred this set to their later one this year in the fall. There was just something that clicked here about the way they all sang and played together that impressed me more. Either way, the songs are always great and man, if you can stop being transfixed by their tights you are a stronger person than I.
Here's a larger sized diptych I did of the whole band:
www.flickr.com/photos/kirstiecat/5485030861/in/photostrea...
#19 Andrew Bird at Hideout Block Party in Chicago
Ok, I admit it, part of the reason that I loved this show so much is because I photographed the whole set. I took well over 16gigs of photos and tbh haven't even looked at all of them yet. There are SO MANY PHOTOS! Anyhow, I have a real soft spot for Andrew Bird. The man enchants me with his delicious violin like an indie sorcerer...you've all heard of those, right?
More photos from myself and Erica Gannett of the Hideout Block Party here:
timeoutchicago.com/music-nightlife/music/14958203/hideout...
#20 Karkwa at Schubas Tavern in Chicago on 12/6/2011
There isn't too much more I wanted to say about this show that hasn't been said in my review. Basically, I never thought Karkwa would ever come to Chicago and I was really ecstatic they made the trek out here. I was as impressed with their live show as I thought I would be, though their sound mix was not absolute perfection but was certainly miles better than most bands that play-basically, I'm being a little picky. I said many great things about them here with more photos:
gapersblock.com/transmission/2011/12/08/karkwaschubas_on_...
#21 The Joy Formidable at Lincoln Hall in Chicago 4/5/2011
I was lucky enough to see this band twice this year and, though both times the band put on a stellar performance, I still prefer the show in a smaller venue 9x out of 10. In any case, Ritzy really knows how to own the stage and one can't help but be quite impressed just by watching her move. The sound the band conjures up with only three is just baffling.
Review with more photos here:
www.bigtakeover.com/concerts/the-joy-formidable-lincoln-h...
Review with photos from the Metro here:
gapersblock.com/transmission/2011/12/16/the_joy_formidabl...
#22 CSS at The Cabaret Metro in Chicago on 5/21/2011
Is there anyone more photogenic and unbelievable than Brazil's Lovefoxxx? Doubtful! The woman is a little bit insane and a great deal amazing. She had costume changes and jumped into the crowd, plus her songs are just downright fun!
View more photos with a review of this show by Bonnie Page here:
gapersblock.com/transmission/2011/05/23/review_css_metro_...
#23 My Brightest Diamond in Pritzker Pavillion/Millenium Park, Chicago on 8/08/2011
I'm a huge fan of the very enchanting multi instrumentalist Shara Worden and I almost didn't get to this show as it seemed post Lolla exhaustion, storms, and close-by violence in the area were all conspiring against both her and I. I was really glad I did, though. Worden is one of those underrated super talented musicians that everyone should listen a great deal more to...I hope someday she gains more of he audience she deserves.
Read the review and see more photos here:
gapersblock.com/transmission/2011/08/09/my_brightest_diam...
#24 The Pains of Being Pure at Heart at Lincoln Hall in Chicago 4/28/2011
I'm not a huge party person and I'm REALLY NOT a huge birthday person. My favorite thing to do on birthdays as well as Valentine's Day in particular is go to a show I like and forget about the rest of the awful world. Pains are always great but this was a little more special as they played on my birthday and, also, my friend Leigh told Kip and he said Happy Birthday to me from the stage. Aw!
More photos and a review here:
www.soundcheckmagazine.com/featured-content/2569-review-p...
#25 The Naked and the Famous at Cabaret Metro in Chicago 10/07/2011
This band's sound immediately impresses...they definitely have a rock influence but such a strong and catchy anthemic appeal. Ah, you Kiwis...! I enjoyed NATF both at Lolla and at this show and wrote a review of them with more photos here:
gapersblock.com/transmission/2011/10/08/the_naked_and_the...
***All of these photos are copyrighted. Please don't use without permission**
Caviar and cigarettes
Well versed in etiquette
Extraordinarily nice
She's a Killer Queen
Gunpowder, Gelatine
Dynamite with a laser beam
Guaranteed to blow your mind
Anytime
Recommended at the price
Insatiable an appetite
Wanna try?
- Queen, Killer Queen
I wish I lived close enough to use Anna as my model all the time. She's gorgeous and totally willing to lay the sex appeal on heavy. How hot is she?? If you don't already know her, it's time to stop by her stream. She's one of the most talented photographers I've met on flickr. True story.
Oh! And I absolutely HAD to play along since it's Heather's week in Musically Challenged! Want a little inspiration for your shots this week? Pop by that group and you'll be inspired in a hurry. Heather picked some fabulous songs!
Musically Challenged: Killer Queen - Queen
Challenge animation Ksylonebex available at Sl Marketplace or inworld store!
Marketplace:
marketplace.secondlife.com/p/PLASTIC-Animation-Pack-Kysvl...
Store Landmark:
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pslande/70/49/27
Watch the animation here:
Watch the animation here:
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Discover more animations on my SL Marketplace:
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Follow me on:
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To think I might not see those eyes
Makes it so hard not to cry
And as we say our long goodbye
I nearly do
Light up...
My 1st musically challenged...so be gentle...=))) GO HERE!!!