It's Delightful, It's Delicious...

It's De-Lovely!

Today, I watched my first musical on DVD in ages and it delivered such a refreshing lift that I really needed! With so much of my time spent studying I've regretfully become accustomed to not listening to much preferred music anymore. It has been two years since I last studied music as a subject (at uni) and it wasn't until Thursday when I finally sat in a music class (thinking I may consider taking an extra subject instead of my previous plan to get credit for our required elective unit of study) that there was an epiphany of the severity of the abyss that was forming between music, the core of my being, and myself. It had saddened my soul that my determination to ensure that music would not dominate or become my career had gone a little too far.

From the title, you may be able to deduce that the movie I had the pleasure of watching was in fact De-lovely starring Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd which explored the life of the American composer Cole Porter, most noted for his musical comedy works. I thoroughly enjoyed the music having heard some songs before, hearing some unfamiliar songs for the first time and understanding the life of a musician with whom I was vaguely familiar. I do have a few things to say. I loved how "In the still of the night" sounded very reminiscent of one of my favourite Romantic [period] piano songs "Clair de Lune" by Debussy. I also felt that Alanis Morrissette, although very beautiful and visually suited to her part, was personally not the best choice to sing "Let's Do it (Let's Fall in Love)". Probably because she used to sing so much alternative/rock music in the 1990s that it's somewhat difficult to hear her sing another style of music.

Which brings me to share something I had wanted to share months ago (March this year). It was posted on Swing, jazz and blues - Dance to the music (which I either came across via "Blogs of Note" or "Updated blogs") when I first came across a video that showcased the talent of MaryAnne, a fun-loving American singer. When you watch her, you can't help but think that she is just so full of life and love for music and it is because of that that I was singing her songs for weeks - literally - anywhere and at any time! She sings in such a captivating way that makes you believe everything she sings and her "zest for life" smile and attitude simply makes her very musically appealing. I have attached links for two of her videos "Let's Do it (Let's Fall in Love)" and "Let's Misbehave", which are two songs written by Cole Porter and featured in De-lovely. You can find more of her videos at The Vessel of Light and Ysabellabrave. Enjoy! :)

FOR MELODY (FRIDAY'S FEAST PARTICIPANT)

This is a temporary post for Melody, who is a Friday's Feast participant. I would like her to know that I haven't been able to access her blog since it requires invitation to access it.

If you're reading this, could you leave me a comment (it will be here only temporarily) so that I know you have read it and invited me to look at your blog.

Thanks so much. I try and return the favour to all my blogging friends who leave me comments :)

Friday's Feast #11

This feast took me quite a while. I hope you all enjoy it! I have finally remembered to add a hyperlink to the Friday's Feast button!

Appetizer

Describe a toy you remember from your childhood.

I have been very fortunate to have many cherished toys. Despite having lost some from garage sales, they are still a big part of my room, sitting on the ledge above the window blinds. I loved dolls and two of my dolls even now wear some of my clothes (that I used to wear when I was 6!). But I guess the most "interesting" toy to describe would be a stuffed pink pig with a striped suit, a brown cigar and a big head! At the time I write in this little booklet that my kindergarten teachers made (aged 4 or 5) it was apparently my favourite toy. While I have the chance, I should say that have not ever tolerated smoking, hence it was a surprise to look back some years ago and see that I liked the "smoked bacon" - haha, sorry, I couldn't resist :)

Soup

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest) how observant are you?

I can confidently say 8 since I've been frequently told that I tend notice the slightest things, not to mention that I have such a trivial memory that I'll remember it long afterwards. Just earlier today, one of my friends found it strange when I told her that the bus we were on was slightly different to the usual ones (it was still a natural gas bus) as it had a slightly different bell sound (it kind of "echoed") and the grab rails were vertical (lower) to diagonal (upper) instead of just plainly vertical.

Salad

Where would you rather be at this very moment?

Anywhere safe with my boyfriend, just relaxing, no worries :)

Main Course

When was the last time you learned something new?

I always learn new things everyday, not just at uni but in my day-to-day experiences. Today I learned some trivial things, like how much chocolate costs in a few different shops (prices vary wildly, surprisingly - I should also mention that I in fact loathe shopping and avoid it wherever possible) and that my high school English teacher, who I later visited, likes Old Cold Dark Chocolate! In terms of learning something more "knowledgeable" or "practical", yesterday at one of the places I volunteer (a retail shop that raises money for charity) I was asked to bank the money at the end of the day, which I haven't done electronically before. It was good to also "learn" the degree to which I was trusted to do so :)

Dessert

Fill in the blank: I have ____________ but I haven’t ____________.

I have made some achievements in my life that I am proud of, but I haven't yet reached my goal to make a significant positive difference in the world and leave a desired legacy.

The Birthday Feast! - Friday's Feast #10

I'm having such a relaxing holiday being at home and as the last weekday before I go back to uni (on Monday) I wanted to share this Virtual Birthday Banquet with everyone. Enjoy! :)

Appetizer

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest) how much do enjoy watching sports on television?

6? I don't mind it, but I guess it depends what sport it is. It's so much better being in a stadium for things like Rugby League and Cricket! Or even better, I love playing sport! :)

Soup

If you could completely memorise any one work of fiction, which one would you pick?

To Kill A Mockingbird perhaps. I love that book! (This wasn't an easy question since I prefer non-fiction)

Salad

What is your favourite breakfast food?

Croissants served with fruit on the side!

Main Course

Name something fun you can do for less than $10.00.

Play board games with friends (I have had this strong craving to play "scrabble" for a while now!)

Dessert

How long does it usually take you to fall asleep?

More than 5 minutes usually. If I were to estimate, probably 10 minutes?

Thanks for feasting with me! :)

Friday's Feast #9

Appetizer
What is your favorite fruit?
I love so many fruits - mangoes, kiwi fruit, watermelon, passionfruit, pears, strawberries, mulberries... (sorry, no favourites!)

Soup
Who is someone you consider as a great role model?
Jesus! :)

Salad
If you were to spend one night anywhere within an hour of your home, where would you choose?
Ummm, probably camping out somewhere down around Wivenhoe Dam. My family did that some years ago and I really enjoyed it. Pity the Dam is nearly empty now! :(

Main Course
Name something you do too often.
Check my email.

Dessert
Fill in the blank: I really like ___________ because ____________.
I really like holidays because I can feel minimally guilty about relaxing!