Whoa buddy. I've had a busy, busy week so far. A busy week SANS coffee! R and I finally decided to ditch the java-- so now we're just getting our caffeine via tea. A much more subtle jolt with no crash-- we're going to hit up the oriental market this weekend to see if we can find some reishi-mushroom tea. Which restores your Shen energy.
On Monday I taught Disaster Education classes to 140 sweet as can be 5-12 year olds. Pretty much they were the cutest things ever.. some were more tolerable than others, but it was a very fun & exhausting day. We talked about tornadoes and hurricanes and they were just so smart, I was quite impressed.
Then after volunteering on Tuesday I started a new painting, and I think I like it, so we'll see where it goes. I'm going to add in the swamp today. Can anyone guess that I am in love with Florida?
Speaking of, Florida has been quite rainy. A lot of whiny, spoiled Floridians are complaining about it. I think that is dumb. It's like 80 degrees and gorgeous 10 months out of the year here, it's been raining for a few days. So what.. We've been in a drought, AND now we can have fireworks on the 4th of July for the first time in 5 years. If it stops raining that is. ;)
This guy, Ben Prestage has been playing a lot around here recently (he's from here), and it just makes me so happy because.. I love me some good music, and this guy is a genius-one-man-band. So since he was playing and I was invited to hang out with a new friend I sent my evening tapping my toes and swinging my hips.
AND one more final thing...
I have two guilty pleasures in life.. The real Housewives of NJ and Orange county.. and I am just wondering.. Are people ACTUALLY that insane? I got stressed out just watching the season finale of RH of OC-- they are all so craaaaazzzzzy! I am glad I am not rich.
There are few things in life that make me happier than a cup of joe
{after a night of one too many glasses of vino.}
The local wine bar has a habit of booking awesome music on Wednesday and Thursdays-- they also have a habit of providing delicious house wines, and I have a habit of occasionally over-indulging myself.
This morning I woke up so ready for water, coffee and eggs I didn't even know what to do with myself.
I love eggs so much-- I even went crazy and had two yolks instead of one. Such a rebel.
So back to last night... We were invited to go out and listen to some jazz (it was awesome-- stand up bass and all) with some new friends. We met said friends at a local retail shop-- Hey, I told you guys we've really been putting ourselves out there.
Team R&R might be social after all.
Anyway, I was really surprised that we both ended up having a great time. Usually one of us is under-stimulated by the company.. or the company is inherently negative- about everything- so as positive people, we find it quite draining to hang out with complainers. People complain a lot, about everything. It's weird.
Anyway, I enjoyed the ladies, R enjoyed the gents.. and we found out that we might not be the only weirdos residing in Stuart. Yeay.
SO now that we found people who like to talk about things that are not sports related or negative-- we're feeling pretty excited about continuing to put ourselves out there to meet more cool peeps.
Ahhh.... shaking off the recluse.
Last week I purchased a few books on amazon that I have been enjoying immensely-- One of the books is called Inner Paths to Outer Space-- It has discusses a fairly unusual-under discussed philosophy-- that directly links religion to science and vise versa-- which is something R and I have a lot of fun discussing together-- even before purchasing this book-- so I am finding it quite interesting.
If you are into the strange, psychedelics, philosophy, religion, human/animal evolution and how we're connected to the universe/God.. it's a pretty cool book.
In other news:
-R and I are putting some serious thought into starting a business. (More on this later)
-Wedding planning is rough, but I had an awesome conversation with my (chef) aunt yesterday that got me fired up about about doing the catering ourselves. (Hey, I love to cook so why not!?) HUGE money saver right there.
-My mom visits soon, I'm quite excited to see that wacky-lady (and for dress shopping). She's in Hawaii right now, lucky be-otch.
-I need to paint something before the week is over.. I am such a slacker Artist.
and....
Tomorrow is FRIDAY. I'm so ready to have a lovely weekend with my love since last weekend was spent watching South Park in bed, and generally being a miserable person.
Oh and, look at this cuteness. Bartlebe laid in that position for a good 7 hours yesterday.
Laziness at its finest.
You're welcome.
SO. I hope everyone is having a fabulous week.. and.. ya know.. Carpe Diem and stuff.
I decided to change the look a bit, and keep the name. "This must be the place" is such a huge theme in my life-- I always find my self at the right place, at the right time, with the right people.. plus, this blog has a lot to do with R and I, and Nieve Melody is our song. (I know we're 12).
This past week has been quite eventful.
It started by going to a party last Sunday (where R and I took on the awesome responsibility of being a mushroom taking party goers spirit guide-- which I must say is one of my favorite things to guide people through), volunteering, R and I celebrated our anniversary (a weekend late) and we've been having a lot of fun meeting folks around the community-- making connections, friends and getting inspired.
R and I are getting our personal creative endeavors in check-- He's already made $30 on video footage we had just laying around and I am super excited about painting again--R treated me to new supplies and canvas this weekend--THEN last night, when I finally came out of my Skyrim coma, I found the office completely cleaned up, slightly rearranged and with a nice space waiting for my easel and canvas to get set up, R had been working hard while I killed virtual villains.
He's a good guy and definitely made up for forgetting the anniversary..
Speaking of anniversaries.. We had our fourth one memorial day weekend, and celebrated this weekend. We slept in Saturday morning, ate boiled peanuts, subs, enjoyed the sunshine at the beautiful beach and then we went for some Chicago style pizza (a place that ships in their deep dish from straight from the Windy City)-- we opted for the thin crust, but it was just like being in the windy city-- except for ya know, all the flip flop wearing Florida people. ;)
Sunday was for chores and errands. We mowed the lawn, hung out with our neighbors, went to the Home Depot, Michael's (<3) and the grocery store! We also caught up on the dishes that we had been neglecting for over a week. (I'm serious, it was disgusting).
Last week was quite serendipitous for us, it seemed like we kept ending up at the right place at the right time everywhere we went. It started with the party, the volunteering, then we found ourselves wandering around downtown because R got out of work early and we met a cool chick, an awesome artist & her husband (who is also an acupuncturist/nutritionist/spiritual cleanser) and it was really awesome.
The acupuncturist husband advised me that I should go gluten and (cow) dairy free, but still eat meat. SO, I'm working on rearranging my diet (again)-- the dairy thing isn't a problem, but I am struggling with the GF thing. Meat.. it's whatever.. I can do with or without it. (Even though I feel better as a veg head). He said doing all of this will enhance the grip I have on my bi-polar disorder and keep my hormones/systems in check so I have more energy and better Chi.
Any suggestions for going Gluten free??
We're feeling more motivated than ever to get out of our reclusive shells-- This is a big step ya'll.
Did I tell you that my mom and her guy are working on another movie? Well, they are.. and it's all about Ron "Pig Pen" McKernan-- one of the founding members of the Grateful Dead-- so I was super excited to see the "WINES THAT ROCK" series at one of the local (and totally awesome) shops around here.
OBVIOUSLY I drank the wine, but I DID save the bottle to send them for the PIGPEN (aka their office).
Hey if you want, like them on facebook or check out their indiegogo to donate to the film. :)
I can't wait to share some more pictures of our colorful little port town. I am loving this place more and more!
I'm hoping to get a little more serious about this blogging thing-- I am working on a website for my art, and I am trying to get my work shown in galleries, so I might just be a little more interesting in the future than I have in the past. To those of you who read/comment here, it's really appreciated and it makes my day. :)
Well that's all for now! Remember when I was in a wedding on Cinco de Mayo? Well look for those pictures tomorrow, they are too sweet. ;)
Rated R; violence, rape, torture, sexual content, nudity, language
2 hours 38 minutes
*****
Fret not, no spoilers here ;)
I liked that the movie was a little dark, but not too edgy with a really interesting vibe throughout. I was continuously interested in what would happen next, and despite it being a little lengthy, I did not find myself anxious for it to hurry up and end. The film was provocative, brutal and sometimes a little creepy; but that's Fincher's M.O, and he does it well. The opening scene is a perfect example of whats inside Fincher's creative mind.
The most notable performance is Mara Rooney; She not only nailed her part as Lisbeth, she exhibited some of the most convincing acting I've seen since Daniel Day-Lewis in There Will be Blood. Her character really captivates and haunts you; you quickly realize this isn't a story about her finding others out, its a story about Lisbeth finding herself.
The special effects were not distracting and overall the film was very well executed. I'd be curious to see what others think about the adaptation from book to screen.
The score was composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. (The duo has worked together on the Nine Inch Nails albums With Teeth,Year Zero,Ghosts I–IV, and The Slip and composed The Social Network score together with director David Fincher as well) I might be bias because I think Trent Reznor is a musical god, but I LOVED the score maybe even a little more than I loved the movie.
I'd see this movie again, and I'd add it to my collection.
~~~~~
Expect some more movie reviews this year; I watch so many I might as well share my thoughts!
:)
Namaste!
r
PS. GHOSTS 1-IV is probably one of my most favorite albums ever-- Ambient and Reznor-y, OH yeah
Oh and FYI, The Swedish version of this film is available on Instant Play via Netflix right now.
When I am not listening to God Speed You Black Emperor (I have a serious addiction to Godspeed-- yes, addiction) I listen to Flamenco-- if only my mother was a good Spaniard and taught me Spanish, I'd know what they were really saying about their hearts.
I came across this band a few weeks ago, and I have been in love ever since.
I love the airy, surf rock feel and strong emphasis on the instrumental aspects over vocals. Some songs contain lyrics, and others don't; This for me is a highlight since I am a huge fan of vocal-free tunes.
Danger Beach shows the more mellow side of Lachlan Thomas who is one half of the band Assassins 88; where neo-punk meets surf rock. Good stuff, but I like Danger Beach much better.
When I listen to Danger Beach I feel like I should be frolicking the beach with my love, dancing and kart wheeling in the sunrise.
If I ever get married, this album really embodies the feeling I would want to have at my wedding. It's happy, and real and makes you want to sway your hips.
I think Apache is my favorite song off the debutalbum Milky Way.
Plus the music video is pretty sweet too.
You can listen to the album in its entirety by clicking here.
Nine hours on your feet is hard whether you are working retail or painting murals.
Plus, my sweet Florida feet were confined in tennis shoes all day.
I hate shoes.
I spent about 7 of those 9 hours on a 12 foot ladder, and wearing flops whilst atop a 12 ft ladder
is absolutely horrifying.
I'm not even afraid of heights, but I was shaking like a crack head.
I do everything in flip flops, so you can only imagine the horror I was experiencing to resort to 9 hours of foot confinement.
Now that I am done whining, and I'd like to introduce..
I love music. It's been apart of my life for as long as I can remember and I have this guy to thank:
Mi Abuelo, who is affectionately dubbed Papa.
By his children, grand children and a great grand child.
First of all, he is the sweetest man I know with a heart bigger
than Asia. I'm not exaggerating.
I grew up knowing my grandfather was someone special.
My mother had all his albums displayed proudly around the house
and I didn't know anyone else who had a singing, guitar playing grandfather with his picture on album covers.
My siblings and I would demand listening to his tapes in the car...
(OH tapes, remember those)
We would get especially excited when he would fly into town to take us to Mc Donalds.
(Silly I know, but kids love Micky D's)
Did I mention he is also a Pilot and a Doctor?
Types A's.. gotta love 'em.
Our favorite song was this one:
This is where my love of all instrumental music started.
My grandfather started his music career with the Los Pekinekes, and ended it flying solo.
(Literally flying.)
Los Pekinekes opened for the Beatles!
THE BEATLES!
This is seriously exciting for me, because I am a huge John Lennon freak.
What's more exciting, is that my grandfather was part of a huge musical movement in the 60's.
Instrumental Rock.
My favorite.
It's Romantic.
It's rugged.
It's Funky.
Es mi familia.
(He'd probably be horrified that I posted this video, but I love it.)
AH! I love him!
Hearing him sing and play is one of my greatest joys in life.
His voice echos my greatest childhood memories;
learning to swim, dance, eat paella and fall in love with music.
My one true idol in life.
If I could be half the person he has been in his lifetime, I would consider myself a success.
Today is the big day.. I am off to Orlando to do my first mural as a professional.
This is simultaneously exciting and horrifying.
This is JJ the Jaguar, he will be coming to life this week.
This week I am thinking positive.. SO, I know everything will turn out great.
I'm listening to some tunes to get me in my calm and happy place, so I thought I'd share.
I don't know why I am so nervous!
It seems so silly to be anxious about doing something (painting) I do almost every day.
Ah, the joys.
Anyway, Music... I can't figure out how to use those fancy Music Players on my blog, so the YouTube videos will have to do. :) Yes, I am technologically special.
Enjoy.
Van Morrison, Brand New Day
Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers, Learning to Fly
This is one of my all time favorite songs.
Bob Dylan, The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Preist
