StoneRose Valley My Thoughts, Expressions, and Passions

I was totally shocked, but pleasantly surprised, to find that my Valley had struck a new record high yesterday for single visits! YEAH! I had 142 visits yesterday; which, for me, is no small cookie-since my previous high was only 24. That’s a HUGE leap. Of course, I probably won’t have another day like that till next years finale of American Idol; but tonight, I’m celebrating.

Posted under American Idol

WOW! What a night! And that was some way to start it off….but I’m not sure I really enjoyed the whole boxing metaphore. Just me though. This really was an amazing night; amazing performances. These two young men are extremely talented; all I can say is “Watch out, music industry! These two guys are taking you by storm!”

As Ryan said, “It’s a three round contest”; and Clive Davis, “the man with the golden ears”, picked the first round songs.

David Cook lost the coin toss, so he went first, singing “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” (by U2). Clive Davis sure knows how to pick great songs for individuals! I thought, as always, that the vocals were good; his performance was nice. But I felt like he was holding back. He looked like he just wasn’t in it. Due to exhaustion? That could certainly be true, as the pace for these guys is frantic.
Randy thought it was “A great way to start off this duel”. He also complimented Clive Davis, saying it was “A very nice song choice”; but he thought DC “didn’t do everything you could have, but I love the scoop note at the end.”
Paula didn’t “Know if you’ve found what you’re looking for, but we have found what we’re looking for. David Cook has arrived!”
Simon thought DC looked “very tense, very emotional at the start of tonights performance. Taking all that together, it was phenomenal.”

David Archuleta sang Clive Davis’ pick “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”. I really loved this song! It sounded new and young, vs the ‘older ballads’ he usually sings. I absolutely loved the ‘textures & colors’, as Paula says, in his voice. This one put me immediately in mind of a Star Performance. This kid has beautiful, simple vocals. What you hear is what you get.
Randy declared it “One of the best performances of the season. That was flawless!”
Paula was full of ’sunshine’, saying Archie “Bring[s] out so much sunshine. Beautiful, beautiful sunny performance. Tonight is unbelievable!”
Simon reminded everyone that “It’s very easy to get excited. Last week, David, you were only OK. Tonight is arguably your best ever.”

Simon then went on to declare Archuleta the winner of ROUND ONE.

David Cook started the second round (song contest; personal choice) singing “Dream Big”. I really love this song. I’ve been singing it ever since last nights show…it just sticks in your head…”If you don’t dream big, what’s the use in dreaming? If you don’t have faith, there’s nothing worth believing!”….yeah, I think this was/is a great song! I thought DC’s unique vocals really made it take off and soar. And I loved the suspension on that last note, way to hold it DC!
Randy said David was “singing your face off! Your voice really made it work”, despite the fact that he wasn’t a fan of the song. Oh well, we can’t expect every producer to know what makes a good hit every time. (Like I know what I’m talking about?!)
Paula had a lovely little speech to give; “A song in your heart, a guitar in your hand; and we millions all mesmerized by you. This is a great way to take a song we don’t know and make us fall in love with it.” ‘She said with a smile’.
Simon thought DC “made the most of what you had. The end was OK. But it didn’t feel like a winning moment”.

David Archuleta sang “In This Moment” as his song contest choice.
Archie’s vocals were in fine form the whole night, really. He was just great. The song melody was suited perfectly for his voice. It was like the writer of this song had David A. in mind the whole time.
Randy seemed pretty excited, crying out “You are so in the zone, you could sing the phonebook! Another hot performance!”
Paula was beaming; “It’s like you’re on fire tonight. It’s pure magic. Why you’re here in the finals.”
Simon thought Archie “Definitely chose the better song tonight. Much more in keeping with the night.”

Again, Simon declared Archuleta the winner of the ROUND, TWO.

David Cook chose “The World I Know” (by Collective Soul) as his third song and personal choice. I was awed and inspired. THAT was his song. This is what he does best. This is what he’s phenomenal at. The note at the end…! I have officially fallen in love with David Cooks’ voice (musically speaking). And the emotion he shared at the end…it was so special to be a part of that, even if only by TV with a million other viewers; this guy has ever been the gentleman, and while holding his emotions in check, you still know they’re there; he just doesn’t normally flaunt them for all to see. I admire that. I also have to admire that David C. chose a new song to sing, rather than pulling up a ‘formal glory’. Yes, I was hoping he’d pull out “Hello” again, but this was better.
Randy said DC did a “very nice job. Very nice; you showed us a lot of different sides to David Cook.”
Paula had some positive feedback too; “You’re delivering unbelievable songs with integrity and originality.” That seems to be who he is.
Simon complimented David, saying “You are one of the nicest, most sincere contestants we’ve had.” But then he got serious; “I thought it was a beautiful song. It was the wrong song choice on this night; you should have done Billie Jean or Hello”.

David Archuleta closed the night with his previously done “Imagine”. His vocals were still good on this one…but….it just wasn’t as good as the first time. I listened to it several times, and just couldn’t get over that. I do wish he’d picked one that hadn’t been quite so good the first time he sang it, then you could tell the difference in a positive way. I think this song choice was just safe.
Randy thought Archie was just “So good tonight. You are exactly what this show is all about. The best singer in Season Seven’s standing right there!” Isn’t that pulling it farther than you’re supposed to go, as a judge on A-I? Though, I do think, vocally, he’s correct.
Paula, “You’ve left my speechless tonight. You were stunning. What it’s all about.”
Simon closed the judging session with this; “This show is about finding a star. You came out here to win. What we have witnessed is a knockout”.

Such special words for Archie to hear. I think, personally, that Cook won the last round; but that still left two rounds in Archie’s court. After the vocal performances Archie put in last night, I think he should be the winner of this season. But it’s too close to call. Cook has been amazing since Hello, and pretty good before that. Archie, as I said early, has beautiful, simplistic vocals. What you hear is what you get.
Cook, on the other hand, has intricate, beautifully crafted vocals. You hear one thing the first time; the second time you hear something totally new. His voice is like a new place to explore, you never know what may lie around the bend. That’s what I love so much about him. It never gets old.
So, Archie is a better vocalist. Cook, a better artist. Who will win?

Posted under American Idol

Oh, man; I am so mad! Why, oh, why do people have to pick others apart?!!! Even on some of the most civil A-I sites they are doing it! Let me re-phrase that; the commenter’s are doing it. Not the blog owners. At least someone knows how to be civil out there.

OK. I just finished reading all of the comments; and they did get better. I feel much better now. But I do hate how people are bashing the two David’s. ‘One is great, the other awful!’ It’s been going both ways.
“Dave Cook mumbles; he can’t even sing!” What an obvious exaggeration!
“David A. is a deprived child; he has no personality and isn’t even normal!” I hate to break it to you, but a teen can be sweet and humble AND be normal; take a look at any one of my teen-aged siblings (I have five); all of whom are perfectly normal.

Oh, and I don’t know why everyone seems to think the producers chose a bad song for David A….that song (Longer) was just perfect for him. And if he had chosen a song the producers had chosen for another contestant…the logical course (to me) would be that he would have to pick another song.

I was pleased with the results last night….but there was a sour taste left in my mouth; due to the treatment of Syesha the night before. She really did a great job; personally I think her vocals were better than David A’s, and perhaps even DC’s.
Overall, I think the other two are better vocalists; and DC is definitely one of the most talented artists/musicians/arrangers I’ve ever seen/heard. The David’s just seemed to have a bit of an off night.

And Fantasia. All I can say is that Simon’s face completely summed up everything I felt. And I’m not a Fantasia hater. I actually have enjoyed her every other time I’ve seen her. Last night was just….unexplainable.

Posted under American Idol

ROUND TWO
David Archuleta picked “With You” by Chris Brown.
His reason: “I wanted to try something more youthful this week. It’s something I haven’t done yet, and I thought, ‘Hey, it’s worth a shot’.”
I didn’t quite know what to think about this one. After I finally got over the “lyrical flub” at the beginning and realized what he was really saying (much to my relief), it was just alright for me. It wasn’t bad. Not at all. But it wasn’t great either. I’ve heard some commenter’s make fun of his dancing, and I think that’s just tacky. His dancing was just fine to me. His vocals were good. But I guess it was just the type of song that got me. It just didn’t seem like him. But that doesn’t mean that the performance was bad. I don’t think it was what the Archie fans have grown to love or expect from him, that’s all.
Randy had the same reaction as I did; “I applaud you for trying something new and young; but I don’t think it was the right song for you; it just wasn’t you.”
Paula thought he did a “Great job! It was perfect, at the right tone of your voice; You should be singing songs like this”. She even offered some constructive criticism: “Watch…shorten the phrases a little bit.”
Simon applauded the fact that David didn’t do “A ballad”, but thought it was rather like a Chihuahua trying to be a Tiger; just not really you. It was a bit awkward.”

Syesha Mercado chose “Fever” by Peggy Lee. She “liked the vibe of the song.”
I thought this was an interesting song choice…perhaps Syesha has taken the Broadway comments too seriously? Even saying that; I thought she did a great job. She is a really good performer; and I really liked it. She isn’t my favorite contestant, but there’s no denying that she is good. Well, the judges might deny it. I was very upset with them last night; I think they gave her a completely unfair, unjust critique (as follows).
Randy also thought it an “interesting song choice at this point. But you sang it amazingly well.” (Yes, I know that was positive, Randy was good to her; the others weren’t.)
Paula was also “Surprised at this song choice. I’m not sure it shows me who Syesha is as an artist…”
And Simon thought she would “Probably regret that[song choice] decision tomorrow, I think. It was quite a lame cabaret performance.”

David Cook chose “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot. His explanation? “Lyrically, for me, it wrapped up this whole experience here; you know, ‘Welcome to the planet. Welcome to existence. Everyone’s here.’ Like you[Ryan] said, going from being a ‘bartender’ to here…just seemed like the appropriate song for the appropriate moment.”
This band is a favorite among my siblings…so I’ve heard this song MANY times. I thought it was a great choice for him. After hearing it, I wasn’t so sure anymore. It was a little pitchy; but I did still like it. Was it only because it was David Cook who was singing? Maybe…I don’t think I can call that one. Randy said it was “A great song choice. Performance-wise…wasn’t the best. A little pitchy.”
Paula felt like she “only got the beginning of the song” and it left her wanting more.
Simon thought there wasn’t “much to add to that. Not the best melodic song in the world. Everyone had just an OK middle round.”

And no winners were called.

ROUND THREE
David Archuleta. The producers chose “Longer” by Dan Fogelberg for him to sing.
I thought this really was a GREAT song choice. The whole performance was very nice, vocals-yes! This was my favorite of Archie’s performances last night.
Randy again thought it an “Interesting song choice” but called it “Another hot one. In the zone vocally; You can sing the phonebook!”
Paula seemed quite happy with David final performance, saying “I expect nothing more. Very lovely; a lovely performance.”
Simon thought David “Sang it very well.” He then went on to criticize the song lyrics-how could David help that? He didn’t even pick the song-which is a lovely song, by the way. A loud Boo for Simon(maybe the only one he’s gotten from me ever)! He did admit that David had “Done enough to get into the finals next week.” I’m not so sure that he did do enough, but I think he will be there.

Syesha Mercado. The producers chose “Hit Me Up” by Gia Farrell. Wow. Another not very good song choice for Syesha. She was just plagued with them last night, poor girl.
I thought it was fun; She had nice vocals. It would be hard for me to get all the lyrics into the up-tempo pace of the song, but she did a great job. I also really liked the ending. She did a great job on a song that didn’t allow her to show her full potential.
Randy thought it was “Just OK. Just alright for me. But I can see you doing a song like that.”
Paula said she “Did the song very well. It wasn’t the type to define you as an artist either. I’m not sure it was enough to put you in the finale.”
Simon told her it was “Better than the second song for sure. Little forgettable; didn’t give you the defining moment I would have liked at this point in the show. To be honest with you, your best moment came last week with the Sam Cook song.”

David Cook. The producers chose “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith. Another great choice by the producers!
David did an amazing job with this; it was awesome! My favorite from him last night; and definitely my overall favorite of the night!
Randy “Loved the song; But it was OK. Very predictable.” Yes, I agree, it was rather predictable, but it was still good. The same as Archie’s “Longer”.
Paula declared this one did have a “Beginning, middle, and an end. See ya’ in the finals!”
Simon thought it “One of the greatest songs of all time. I have to tell you, David Cook…you win the night.”

So…only six more minutes by my clock till the results show starts….we’ll see how they fared soon. And I may be back on here to rant and rave, whichever way it goes. I really think these top three are extremely talented.
As always, comments welcome!

Posted under American Idol

Well, we’re down to it. Next week is the finale. Last night, three contestants performed, and tonight, one of them will be leaving. This happens every year. And usually (at least for me) it’s an unexpected contestant. Elliot Yamin, Melinda DooLittle…the list could go on…but I don’t remember that far back. I’m going to run through the night as it happened (as always), so know there’s no discrimination…at least, I try not to show any. And since I’m trying to write this in between work and related deadlines, I’ll post each round individually as I complete them. Sorry I didn’t get this up last night; but, if you’ve been reading consistently, you already know that my own computer has been having ‘issues’, and thus I am forced to use my parents…whenever they or one of my six siblings isn’t actually using it. Which was the case last night. I think each of the contestants at this stage this year are extremely talented. They all deserve to be here.
Oh, and before I start on my re-cap, I’m going to warn you (said warning may be totally unnecessary, as I’ve never had a nasty comment on here……and hey, I only average about one comment per post anyway! ); Please do be civil in your commenting. I just got through reading a few other blogs and posts on the subject, and some extremely rude people have really ticked my off with their criticisms and negative comments; half of which seem totally unfounded to start with. The whole thing about David Archuleta and his father just bugs me to death…millions of people making assumptions without being in possession of all the facts. Yes, by some bizarre twist of the mind, it may be true….but that’s only by a long shot. A VERY bizarre twist.
And I’ll also say that I agreed with almost every one of Simon’s thoughts on the contestants. All but one, at which point, I’ll let you know.
ROUND ONE
David Archuleta sang Paula Abdul’s choice “And So It Goes”by Billy Joel. Paula said she chose it for him because she thought it ‘would showcase the amazing vocals that you(David) have. It’s a beautiful song that shows the level of difficulty in the melodies that of which I know you can handle. It will totally exploit the beautiful timbre of your voice.”
David said he was ‘excited to sing it. A beautiful song.’
I actually was one of those viewers/hearers who actually liked the a’ccapella beginning. I thought his vocals were very nice; his runs were lovely as always. Those are definitely his signature…he has some of the most gorgeous runs I’ve ever heard in my life.
Randy said his usual phrase of “you can sing anything! You are in it to win! In the zone tonight!” He also went on to say that “Paula chose a dope song for you! The Billy Joel thing works. But I would have loved to see you with the piano.”
Paula said it was a “Pure sounding performance”, called David a “Storyteller”, and summed it up as a “Beautiful performance”.
Simon thought it “Very good. No surprises; a bit predictable”, but said that wasn’t “really a criticism; it was good. But not outstanding.”

Syesha Mercado sang “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alecia Keys, picked by Randy Jackson. He picked it because he said he “Knew that she’s really young, hot, unbelievably talented, in charge; and I had a feeling that she loved Alecia as much as I do. I think this is the kind of record she could do and be very successful with.”
I honestly had to wonder what was he thinking picking that song for her! Was he trying to get her voted off?! It’s a beautiful song, and I thought she did a lovely job of it…but I couldn’t help comparing her to Alecia (one of my favorite artists), and, well….You just don’t want to be compared to somebody else in the music industry. At least, not in that way. You want to stand out; be compared as in “Oh, that girl reminds me of Celine, she has the vocals, everything, to be a big star!” (which has been said of Carly Smithson)…but not compared in the way Syesha was last night….
I do think this was Syesha’s strongest of the night.
Randy said she did an “amazing job”. He thought she was “peaking at the right time in the competition, and that is why you’re standing top three.”
Paula thought it “difficult to sing someone as big as Alecia. But I applaud you for that. And you look stunning!”
Simon said she “sang that very well. I wish Randy had chosen a song were you could try and sound original, and not like a copy of the artist. But you look gorgeous by the way!”

David Cook was fortunate enough to get a song picked by Simon Cowell….or was he unfortunate enough to get it? I was tied in knots all weekend since hearing that David would have to sing “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack….this song is so not David…but then again, maybe it is….
Simon’s reasons for picking this song: “This is one of THE greatest songs of all time. Unlike Randy, I wanted you to do something different so that you have a chance to show some originality. It’s a very, very, very tough song; but you know what? I think you are going to do well.”
Yes, I was anxious when he started out, but all my fears were totally blown out the door. It was a lovely performance; absolutely no worries. This song now has David Cook written all over it. But then, even if DC were to sing Sesame Street, or the phone book-as Randy says, I would love it and be able to listen to it for hours on end. David’s definitely had me from “Hello”. Randy has “loved DC from day one. And I loved the high note there at the end. But I wish Simon hadn’t picked something so predictable.” I think Randy was just trying to get back at Simon here; seemed totally unfounded to me. But what do I know?
Paula shook her head, declaring “It’s not about those two, it’s about you, David! That is one of my favorite songs; and now you’re my second favorite persons which sing it.” That last little bit was just slightly confusing and veiled…to me.
Simon came out with a fairly predictable remark; “This may sound a bit biased, but I think that was actually one of the best performances to date. This is what makes you brilliant, because you take risks, it’s original. Round one goes to Cook and Cowell!”

What do you think? Comments always welcome (so long as they are civil)!

Posted under American Idol

This has been a rather busy week for me…. ‘what’s different about that?’ you ask? Well, this week, it was Tuesday itself that was busy…in addition to Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I had a funeral to attend in the mid-morning, and a shower to go to in the evening…in between, I had to shop for the shower gift, and try to help some of my siblings find a birthday gift for our brother, who is leaving tonight for a two week trip with a friend. Today, I worked my usual job in the morning-till 1:30; so I worked late today. I then had about an hour to do my downloads on my computer (which you may recall, has been running extremely slow lately). That took all the free time I had this afternoon, till now. So, my synopsis may be shorter than usual, or it may not. I may just end up posting this moments before the show this evening. As if that is entirely unusual.
It was Rock & Roll Theme week….
I also missed the first two performances last night; and dismayed that I had, indeed, missed David Cook’s first song! So, I will not be including sum-up of either his or Syesha’s (considering that, since I didn’t even see them, I couldn’t possibly!). I did think, though, from the ‘flash-backs’ or whatever you want to call them, of the evening, that David Cook did pretty bad, and Syesha’s sounded fun.

Jason Castro chose “I Shot The Sheriff” by Bob Marley as his first song. I really did like that he seemed far more comfortable on stage than we’ve ever seen him. Great job in that, Jason! But….the vocals just were not good.
Randy called it ‘Kareoke’, saying there was ‘nothing special about it. Just was not good.’
Paula said he had ‘never performed to the audience better’ and that his ‘artistry shines through’.
Simon pronounced it ‘utterly atrocious. Like a first round audition massacre!’
Harsh words there; but, at this point in the competition, deserved.

David Archuleta was even more amazing than usual-possibly due to performing right after Jason. He sang “Stand By Me”, and I know many, including myself, wanted to hear him sing this one. We were not disappointed. At least I wasn’t. I thought the vocals, the whole thing, was superb! David showed us he definitely can make smart song choices.
Randy said David put ‘the best vocals on the line. Hot!’
Paula mentioned how she forgets ‘you’re only seventeen! You’re seasoned already.’
Simon called it a ‘very good choice; you struggled a little bit at the end’, but he pronounced it the ‘best performance so far’.
David is so talented, and so very humble-or else he’s a super actor-I’m inclined to believe the former. He should definintely be in the finals.

David Cook came back to start the second round, choosing to sing “Baba O’Rielly” by Who (?; is that really who it’s by? I’d never even heard of this one before!). I have to say, I was apprehensive, guessing from previous comments by the judges that he hadn’t done well. I was quite pleased with how well he did.
Randy said it was ‘more like the David I’ve come to know. Just be you; You’re great.’
Paula ‘just want[s] some more David!’
Simon had but one thing to say: ‘Welcome back, David Cook!’
That was good to hear, from a DC fan! So glad he pulled it together this time.

Syesha Mercado sang “A Change Has Come” by Sam Cook. I thought it was nice, but thought there might have been slight pitch problems towards the end. On the other hand, it may just have been my awful TV.
Randy said he ‘loved the first song’, but ‘didn’t love this one’. He ‘didn’t like the arrangment’.
Paula disagreed with Randy, saying Syesha orchestrated her vocals beautifully.
Simon had this to say: “Syesha, I have to be fair, and I’m going to agree with…’(pause for effect) ‘Paula. Randy got it completely wrong; you sang that extremely well.’
Yeah for Syesha!

Jason Castro sang “Mr. Tambourine Man” by Bob Dillon as his second song. I thought it was far better than his last; until he forgot the words. He hummed his way through that ‘till he got back to a place he remembered. My sister and I thought he should at least have sang ‘La-la’.
Randy thought Jason was just ‘not in the zone, tonight’.
Paula said ‘it is what it is. Didn’t blow me away; but you do!’
Simon gave Jason his advice: ‘Go pack your suitcase.’
After last nights’ performances, Jason should be the one leaving. But he has a huge fan base…we’ll see what happens!

David Archuleta finished off the night, singing “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley. I couldn’t believe my ears; to me and my sisters, this song is a lullaby…but that’s just the way we think of it. I actually really liked this song when sung by David….Very nice, sweet, sound. But he lost hold of the end a bit…not too bad, though. Especially when coming after Jason’s mis-hap.
Randy called it ‘another great one. Tender; caressed each word.’
Paula said it was ‘one of my favorite performances’.
And Simon had the last word of the night; telling David “You didn’t beat the competition tonight; you crushed it!’
Great one, David! You amaze me!

Let’s all try to be calm tonight, shall we? I am scared, though, that if a certain someone doesn’t go this evening, the fire-breathing dragon within me is going to be unleashed….

Posted under Life Thoughts

When I checked my link back, I found it didn’t actually bring you anywhere….so, since I am again missing my kitchen sink, I decided I’d just put the url below and if you really want to see it, you can copy and past it into your browser. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! And I did finally figure out how to link it! So now, both links work. Yeah!
My Messy, Thrilling Life; A Girls Guide To Mowing

Posted under Life Thoughts

“You deserve a longer letter than this; but it is my unhappy fate seldom to treat people so well as they deserve.” Jane Austen, in a letter to her sister, Cassandra.

Well, I thought about updating Handmaidens tonight…but….I don’t really feel like I have anything to share along those lines at this time…so I didn’t.

I’m so happy to have a kitchen sink finally!!! The only problem is…I’m not home. Not using my own computer. Not using my own internet provider. I’m using a totally different computer and internet connection. So that means the faulty(disappearing) kitchen sink is a by-product of my filter. I won’t call it any names tonight. But I dislike it immensely. I hope we get another server soon.

So, I thought I should update my blog while I had the chance. But the only things that come to my mind are so mundane, it would bore you to sleep if I went into detail. Instead, I decided to spare you. You can thank me later.

I missed Cranford tonight…but my brother was going to tape it for me, so maybe I’ll watch it tomorrow evening. A friend called, ecstatic about it; but I made her tell me nothing-actually, I practically threatened her-as I am one of those annoying people who like to actually see the movie without knowing the whole story line, who dies, or what happens at the end. A shocker, I know-I mean, who in their right mind is like that now? Fifteen years ago, perhaps; but now?! Crazy!
Realizing this post is just full of sarcasm…a deadly, and highly contagious disease…I believe that it may be owing to sleep deprivation…another highly contagious, and rapidly spreading in the United States, disease. You see, when in the midst of stage two of SDD (Sleep Deprivation Disease), your mind overcompensates for the lack of rationality by replacing it with ridiculousness…sometimes coupled with sarcasm, for those of us who are already prone to SD (just plain ole’ Sarcasm Disease). This can be an awful thing for others to witness; as you are probably thinking at this very moment.

So, I’ll spare you further rantings, and sign off now. Thanks for listening!

Posted under Jane Austen, Life Thoughts, Quotes, Sarcasm, Sisters

My mum directed me to this blog; and I’m so glad she did! I’ve found it immensely entertaining. While scrolling through previous posts, I came across this one; My Messy, Thrilling Life; A Girls Guide To Mowing.
As a girl who had 3-4 years of mowing our rather large lawn, while I waited for my darling ‘baby’ brothers to grow up enough to do it themselves, I can appreciate Brin’s technique; only wishing I’d heard about it back then!

Posted under Life Thoughts, Links

Though some may argue my right to claim that; I believe that I may say it in honesty. I can quite positively say that I am, indeed, struggling; and that, since I am even now writing, I am a writer. I chose not to use ‘author’, as that seems to imply one actually having been published-myself having had the misfortune not to be one from that privileged group.

I should have included ‘little known’ in the above statement. Being one of those who dream of becoming a day-by-day journalist, a blogger full of insights and helpful tips, a widely read-dare I say it?-author(!), I grow weary of the life that tries to come between me and my (dream’t of) fame.
I sat down at the computer multiple times today, intending to dazzle the world with some wonderful insight, tidbit, or tip-but each time, one of the members of my household would interrupt me. Of course, since my own computer is with my boss(who has kindly agreed to look at it and diagnose the problem), and my family’s computer is now the only thing available to me….well, since it is theirs, they have a right to use it when they need and want it.

I want my own computer back. Not that I cannot live without it, but I have grown attached.

And I still have no kitchen sink.

So, eventually, I grab a pad and pencil and head outside, there to write in peace whatever comes to my mind, and to drink in the beauties of nature.
I can just barely glimpse the part of the fence that was hastily reconstructed the other day by my brothers, after one of the stupidest moments of my life.

I was out with my father, driving through the pastures in the Jeep while checking the cattle. Now, I have been driving this vehicle off and on for the past six months…but only out in the pastures or quick trips on back roads. I think I may say I was getting pretty good about a month or so ago; but I hadn’t driven it since that time. Funny, but I seem to be inclined to forget how to drive a stick shift if I don’t *practice* regularly. So, I ‘practiced’ the other day. I drove safely all over the pastures, all the way back up to the house, parked it in the drive, turned the engine off, and placed it in nuetral.

Those of you who drive stick shifts regularly will already have seen my mistake.

I stood outside the Jeep a few moments, running over in my mind the correct parking of a shift, making sure I’d done everything right, and, feeling confident that, since it hadn’t moved an inch in the whole ninety seconds I’d stood there, it wasn’t likely to now. Ha.

Upon entering the house, I learn I need to return a friends call. No sooner than I am on the line with said friend, exchanging basic pleasantries, than I hear a commotion from the front half of the house; my mum pokes her head in my room to tell me to hurry out. No time for goodbyes or civilly getting off the phone-I hang up. From the sounds of it, something terrible had happened. I run out to the drive, only to find the Jeep, not where I’d left it, but gone. My mind working quickly(for once, at least!), I whisked myself about, and saw the runaway vehicle out in the pasture, a fence-that had dared stand in the Jeep’s way, trying to save my reputation-demolished.

Yes.

Fortunately for me, there was minimal damage to the Jeep. I did have to buff out some paint scratches. And my brothers’ did have to repair a fence they hadn’t planned on that evening. But they were angels the whole time, repeatedly telling me it “wasn’t so bad”, “look, missed the tree at least!”, “No big deal”, and “anybody could have done it”. While I’m not so sure about the ‘anybody’ part, I realized what treasures I have in my brothers.

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Spring is a lovely time of year. My favorite. And this spring has been lovelier than most.
I sit out here, the wind blowing through my hair, the lawn freshly mowed(by my wonderful brothers!), surrounded by growing things, beauty everywhere, if only the eye can see. My mum’s gardens are gorgeous, and her many antique rose bushes are overflowing with blossoms(if it is possible for a bush to overflow). I took some pictures, but having trouble with my camera connection…maybe I’ll get them posted later.

Sitting here, looking at the roses-how delicate and beauteous, yet strong-reminds me of a sonnet:

‘Oh, how much more doth beauty beauteous seem,
By that sweet ornament which truth doth give!
The rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem
For that sweet odor which doth in it live.
The canker blooms have full as deep a dye,
As the perfumed tincture of the roses,
Hang on such thorns, and play as wantonly,
When summer’s breath their masked buds discloses;
But, for their virtue only is their show,
They live unwooed and unrespected fade,
Die to themselves. Sweet roses do not so;
Of their sweet deaths are sweetest odors made.
And so of you, beauteous and lovely youth,
When that shall vade, by verse distills your truth.’
Shakespeare: Sonnet Fifty-four.

Posted under Life Thoughts, Quotes