I'M LOVING...

THIS
(sweetest thing)

Please listen!  If you like Bon Iver, Mumford & Sons, Birdy, etc, you WILL like this song. 

I had never heard of this band before so I was pleasantly surprised to discover them on Youtube, thanks in part to Buzzfeed (another new addiction of mine).

I could fall asleep or make out to this song.  Perhaps both at the same time.  How talented am I???

ALSO THIS
(strangest thing)

"Girls Don't Poop"

That's the promotion tag line for "Poopourri", a new invention that apparently cloaks the minty scents of poops.

The video is way worth watching.

There are over 20 scents of Poopourri available. 

 "Protective layer of essential oils keeps embarrassing odors
buried under water"

One of the more bizarre things I've seen lately and...I'M GOING TO GET SOME!

THESE GUYS
(momma thing)

THESE 
(fashion things)

I saw and fell in love with this bracelet
I ordered online and it came in earlier this week
So pretty

The designer/company is Ashley Bridget
I'm also lusting after their newest bracelet

Why yes, my friend, that IS a Harry Potter themed bracelet!

DO WANT.

Speaking of Drake...

THIS GUY
(cutest thing)

I never realized before how great Drake's smile is

PROOF:

AND THERE'S GIFS!!!

When I'm having a bad moment,
I think of Drake's smile.
And if you wanna get really into the smile...
You can search #drakesmiling on Tumblr 

And I like his new song:

THIS AT LAST

(bookworm thing)

I read Ken Follett's Fall of Giants over a year ago and have eagerly been anticipating the sequel Winter of the World.  I've firmly held out for the paperback copy.

I started reading it yesterday and so far is it devastatingly good and absorbing!  At 800+ pages I can foresee many late nights in the near future.  

It's a must read!

Ciao for now!

Now Playing

I love this song right now.  Things have been rather crazy lately which is why I haven't been updating as often. I hope to be back to the usual grind within the next week.  Hope my readers are all well. 

Digging This

For some reason this song has been appealing to me lately.  Hope you enjoy it too.  I'm fighting with a summer cold right now so I haven't been around to blog or have happy creative thoughts.  I also haven't been getting out much to take any photos which kinda sucks.  I hate being sick because I feel like it drags me down into a depressed state.  I haven't been for a run in a couple days (which is probably just as good as it gives my shins a much needed rest) and I feel bloated, gross and fat because of that.

Anyway, "Cough Syrup" makes me relaxed and happy.  It's one of those songs that helps me stop worrying and I can get lost in it.  Good music is a gift we should take every second to enjoy.

Lovin' On It

It's the perfect omelet-making/breakfast/wake up music.  It makes me feel like I'm drifting down a river in a tube, a cold Rickard's White in hand.  This may be my favourite summer tune. 


Speaking of summer, starting on June 20, I'm going to be posting each day a reason why I love summer so much! It is easily my favourite season, so stay posted for "Summer Loving".  I will begin on June 14 until September 21.  Technically summer doesn't start until June 20, but I wanted a nice round number: 100.  I'm excited to start working on blog pieces that are part of a series, instead of random posts here and there.  Hopefully this will get me on track for making my blog more organized.  


Peace~

Haters gonna hate.

I still love Hanson.

"All I know is that fear has got to go this time around..."

Current Music

Lately I'm loving on Adele's "21". Her previous album "19" was released when she was, in fact, actually 19. In her 21st year she has released her newest compilation of songs and it's fantastic!

Her voice is rich and powerful, full of timbre.

I give you her new single "Rolling In The Deep" here. Download it & give it a listen!

Current Music

Lately I've been loving a track by Montreal born artist Melissa Auf Der Maur. It's titled "This Would Be Paradise". The audio clip featured in the song is from a speech made by Canadian Tommy Douglas. You can read about his amazing life and the impact he had on Canada here.

He quite simply says (in the clip):

Man is now able to fly through the air like a bird,

he's able to swim beneath the sea like a fish,

he's able to burrow beneath the earth like a mole.

Now if only he could walk the earth like man;

this would be paradise.

I upped it here. Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

Let's Get Lost

"Lost" has such negative connotations. We don't want to admit that we're struggling, trying to find a path and even though we can get quite far off the beaten path, stopping to ask for directions or pausing to scan a map is somehow against our nature.

It's as though it's a sign of weakness to ask for help, to ask for pointers or directions. The idea of being lost in a cornfield creeps me out, the idea of wandering through a forest or a foreign city without any inherent sense of direction, without any natural compass bearings--that's scary.

It's difficult enough to admit that we're lost driving down a back road in northern Ontario. It's even more difficult to admit that we have no idea what we're doing with our lives, aimlessly wandering about trying to make sense of whatever we're doing, attempting to justify our actions and somehow figure out exactly what we should be doing, etching out a rough sketch of how we think our lives should look.

Strange how we always always always think that we have total grasp on what would be best for us in our lives. We think that we know what we need the most, we think we know how best to fill those needs.

Sometimes it seems to me that we're all thirsty for something, but we can't figure out how to quench the thirst. We try coffee, gatorade, tea, alcohol, water...but we're still left thirsty for something more, and it's frustrating because there's nothing worse than not being able to quench the parched and arid longings. We just want some relief from the desert that we're in...

Of course I speak for myself. I wander around, thrashing like a fish that has been hooked and is slowly being reeled in...I'm fighting against something, against this unseen force that draws me closer and pulls me in, but it's a losing battle. I want to run and run and run away from this, away from the chaos that's deep inside me, away from all these things, but I figure like trying to satisfy the thirst, running isn't going to help me. I stop to catch my breath and everything will flood back over me, realities suffocating me...

I love him and I find rest in him...I also find fear and mistrust, I find myself overwhelmed, I seek shelter from whatever this is but I go back for more and more, because I can't stop myself. I'm on this ride, it feels as though it's out of my control, like sand trickling through my fingers, like trying to catch a wave, grasping a cloud.

I lay on the bed beside him and stare at the ceiling, listening to him breathing beside me, feeling his warm body against mine, curled around me, intertwined around my heart and my passions. Restlessness overtakes me for a few minutes and I resist the urge to get up and run, because I'm so so so afraid. I'm so afraid that he'll walk out and never come back. I'm afraid he'll come back and tell me he can't do this. I'm afraid of life without him but I also face him and feel trepidation at the thought of him woven into my future.

"Relationships aren't easy." I've heard this over and over and over throughout my life. "You have to work at it" is another mantra that people seem to recite, as though attempting to assure themselves that hard work will soothe their issues they face together. I've always been of the mindset that love come softly and easily, like the breeze that came through the open window this morning, the balmy February weather as confusing as his kisses and his whispers of endearments.

I've never been a person to be driven by fear. I've never allowed it to creep in and take over. Fear has never dictated my actions and I refuse to allow it now. I'm a bit, no a lot, lost in this whole thing, confused by it, trying to make sense without stopping for direction. My navigational skills are completely useless when it comes to matters of the heart.

Sihaam sits down on the arm of the couch and looks over at me, across the room. She starts crying and runs her fingers anxiously through her hair. "I feel like every moment I spend with him might be the last moment and I keep thinking about that...the fact that we might not be together next week...I've wasted so much time arguing with him and being stupid...I wish I had treasured every moment we have had together..." She slides down the arm and sits on the couch, legs pulled up in a protective stance, knees under her chin.

You can't defend yourself from love. There is no armour that protects you from the storm inside you. All you can do is believe that in the midst of that storm, the person is standing with you, is in your boat, is your lighthouse through the rain and clouds...

Thunder and lightning are beautiful and scary and such is the definition of this confusing love. Be still my beating wings of flights and let fears be allayed. I might be lost but I'm at peace with that knowledge because I'm lost with the right person.

Song to download: Let's Get Lost by Beck and Bat For Lashes. Upped here.

Empty - Ray Lamontagne

I'm a bit, no a lot, in love with this song. Even though I've been listening to it for months now, we still have a romance.

You know how some songs evoke such powerful memories for oneself? That's exactly what this song does for me. I can lay on my bed listening to it and remember staring up through the roof of my tent, the stars undimmed by city lights. I remember the beach with the water washing up against the sand, a constant and peaceful rushing. I think of running at twilight, the city temporarily at peace with itself, the catastrophes and noises of the day fading during that almost magical moment between day and night.

I found a different fan mixed version that I like a bit better...substitutes violin synths over the harmonica.

I uploaded it to my Rapidshare account...you can snatch it here.

Much love.

Bust Yo Ass (No.1)

It's spring and time to whip back into the cardio frenzy. Due to a strained tendon in my right foot, I haven't been for a run in almost a week, which is frustrating, especially after finding some new treadmill routines that I am dying to try out.

So, here's a song that I love to listen to while working. I'm going to try to post a new workout song at least three times a week, and of course, leave me feedback if you love it or hate it.

"Boom" by P.O.D.

Has a grinding and impelling sound. The beat is perfect for running or lifting weights.

If you haven't been consistently working out, now is the time to start! The weather is perfect and a little toning before summer is always good.

Get out there. Get active.

A Little Less Conversation [Just For Fun]

1. Put Your iTunes, Windows Media Player, ETC on Shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Put any comments in brackets after the song name.
5. Put this on your journal.


If someone says, "Is this okay?" You say?
Closer [Joshua Radin]

How would you describe yourself?
Wasted [Carrie Underwood]

What do you like in a guy/girl?
Over A Rainbow [Eva Cassidy]

How do you feel today?
Sail Away [David Gray]

What is your life's purpose?
Trouble [Coldplay]

What is your motto?
Please Forgive Me [Bryan Adams]

What do your friends think of you?
Calling All Angels [Train]

What do you think of your parents?
Imagine [David Archuleta]

What do you think about very often?
Teardrops On My Guitar [Taylor Swift]

What is 2 + 2?
Undeniable [Matt Kearney]

What do you think of your best friend?
Youth Of The Nation [P.O.D.]

What do you think of the person you like/love?
Fly [Hilary Duff]

What is your life story?
You Are The Best Thing [Ray LaMontagne]

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Ocean City Girl [Ivy]

What do you think of when you see the person you like?
Big Girls Don't Cry [Fergie]

What will you dance to at your wedding?
Walk On [U2]

What will they play at your funeral?
Fix You [Coldplay]

What is your hobby/interest?
You're The One [Hillsong]

What is your biggest fear?
I Am Home [Kramdens]

What is your biggest secret?
Who Am I [Casting Crowns]

What do you think of your friends?
99 Red Balloons [Goldfinger]

What will you post this as?
A Little Less Conversation [Elvis Presley Remix]

++ As Promised ++

My current favourite song... Be Mine by David Gray.
Watch it, listen to it, and love it.


Today I smelled the wondrous smell of thawing.
I was driving my car with the windows rolled down, breeze flowing through the car, and these faint odor came in to the car, a smell of thawing and new soil, of spring and new life. It was very exciting moment. I love spring.


I love textures and colours...how you can see a millions thing, and touch the softness of clothes, hair, the cool steel, and warm coffee cup. You can taste so much delicious and comforting stuff, but can't really define what taste is. And that is amazing.


It's odd how you don't miss people when they're around all the time, but the minute they leave, or are unattainable, you want them, need them, miss them so much, that you feel hollow and empty without them.



She lifts her skirt up to her knees, walks through the garden rows
With her bare feet, laughing
I never learned to count my blessings,
I choose instead to dwell in my disaster.
I walk on down the hill, through grass grown tall and brown
And still it's hard somehow to let go of my pain...
Will it always feel this way?
So empty, so estranged?...[Empty/Ray Lamontagne]



So I find myself listening to this music, contemplating the meaning of life, and wondering if I have a future. It then turns to thoughts of that my future may hold. What people will I meet, who will I become close to, when will things change?

I've already learned to some extent, to be calmer and more easy-going, accepting simply what life has to give. And yet, at times, my mind seems to run away with me, and I worry that I'll wake up and find my life has disappeared in time, with scattered remnants of history barely leaving a mark on the people around me.


On a side note, I believe I may be honing my social skills again, which is good news for the poor people who have to live with me. I've felt so distance and far from people around me, and now I'm attempting to make the effort to be friendlier and more open. I recall a woman telling me once that it costs us nothing to smile at people and be kind, and so I'm attempting to emulate her wise words, and make an effort to show people that I care, even if sometimes I don't.


There's something touching about a child reaching for his mother with his arms outstretched, and you know he has complete trust and faith in her, that she will hold him, care for him, feed and nurture him, and love him. The look on the mother's face as she clasps him into her arms and tenderly kisses his face speaks volumes of true love. She would die for her child, and you can see that plainly in her manner.

Love is a funny thing.
Sometimes I believe we hate it and ridicule it because we fear we will never experience fully, but the truth is- real, pure love stops us in our tracks and speaks to our souls. We stand in awe of the power of love, how it affects others around us, ebbing like the tide and touching the lives of people we come into contact with.


Here's to love, life, and hope.

((Randomness))

Okay, so this is what I do.

I hear a song that completely appeals to me in every fashion: emotionally and musically mainly. It makes me sense happy and relaxes my mind while at the same time induces me to contemplative thinking.

Then, I take that song and I beat it to death, by listening to it over and over, and playing it on the piano, and just immersing myself in it.

In a couple weeks I pretty much am done with the song.

I wonder, if I restrained myself, and only listened to it once a day, would our relationship last longer? And I believe the answer is Yes, Yes it would.

I need to start restraining myself.

-)(-

I thought today that I need to stop caring so much about what other people think about me, and instead focus on the more important things in life, such as cleaning my room, exercising, working, and honing my skills (or lack thereof). For example, I used to be so active socially, always with people, working on relationships, and now I feel as though I have distanced myself from others, satisfying myself socially through internet friends.

Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with internet friends, but they aren't there for you in the way "real" friends can be. They can't physically pat you on the back, and usually you only show them a side of you that you want them to see. You aren't completely honest with them, because you might not like certain things about you. Or you know that your general demeanor annoys people, so you moderate yourself to be more pleasing. Basically, it's much easier to hide behind emoticons and text.


-)(-

David Gray is just amazing.

I'll update on that thought later.

The Soothing Sound Of Music

Music just speaks to my soul in so many ways.

I find a song that I love, and listen to it over and over, with a dreadful repetition, because I find that I can almost inhale it. It's so true.. If music be the food of life, play on. Give me access to it... Shakespeare puts it so eloquently... Music is some mens' food. I can't imagine being deaf, and not being able to hear certain people's voices and the melodies that constantly haunt my mind.

Rather like the sound of the ocean on the surf, Pachelbel's Canon in D Major transports me back years, to a summer of riding in the van, the sun setting on Lake Huron, and an island on the horizon, alit with the fiery sunset. The wind blowing through the windows, and the smell of the beach lingering... Music can accompany memories so powerful, when you hear the melody it triggers memories and almost recreates the moment.

When my soul is stormy and I feel as though my heart may explode, I can pick a certain song, listen to it, and feel comforted and soothed, as though someone is pouring a balm into me. Some songs I can recall playing over and over as fury flowed through me, the music fueling the flame, until exhaustion crept in. Some music brings a bittersweet sadness. Certain words and phrases can connect so deeply to your soul and mind.

I'll never forget sitting in guitar class and hearing Adams Song by blink-182 for the first time. The words-

I never conquered, rarely came, sixteen just held such better days
Days when I could still feel alive, I couldn't wait to get outside
The world was wide, too big to try
The tour was over, we'd survived
I couldn't wait til I got home, to pass the time in my room alone.

Hearing that song for the first time brought a sting to my eyes and made me wonder how other people felt in their moments of desperation and loneliness, and that is another powerful aspect of people...It spans races, ages, and culture and relates emotions and feelings that we all live through and experience.

Never, ever, take music for granted.

David Gray, Two Hours of Sleep, Thinking About It All

Two hours of sleep is a tease.
It's not enough to satisfy the body's craving and need for sleep, but it's just enough to make you feel sleepier, and to make you all the more aware that you are missing out on something quite vital.
It would almost easier to simply not sleep at all, stay awake and ride the adrenaline your body creates to get through the next day.

*

And thinking about life, it's becoming clearer and clearer to me that walking alone down deserted streets in the middle of the night might be the best thing ever.
You feel alone in the vast, teeming city around you.
You could touch a person walking by, you could talk to anyone if you really felt the need, but you don't.
You just enjoy the quietness of your steps on the pavement, your own breathing, the sound of cars passing, and the laughter of people passing by.
You envy the people in groups who seem to be having a good go at things, but at the same time, you embrace the loneliness and isolation, feeling safer, strong, impenetrable.
Walking alone down a street in the city at night might be the best thing ever.

*

I've just gotten back into David Gray again, and I've been finding his music so poignant and touching. I guess it's one of those things that you can't explain, but you can only feel with your heart. And this is what I feel... Every time I hear this song This Years Love, I can't prevent tears from welling up and trickling down. Which is awkward, especially on the bus.

But I was laying awake in bed at 3:30 this morning, listening to the song on my iPod, and slowly the tears started up again. I can't say there's anything particularly special about the song per se, but as I said before, it's one of those things you can't explain.

Here are [some] of the lyrics-

This Years Love

This years love had better last
Heaven knows it's high time
And I've been waiting on my own too long
But when you hold me like you do
It feels so right
I start to forget
How my heart gets torn
When that hurt gets thrown
Feeling like you can't go on

Turning circles when time again
It cuts like a knife oh yeah
If you love me got to know for sure
Cos it takes something more this time
Than sweet sweet lies
Before I open up my arms and fall
Losing all control
Every dream inside my soul
And when you kiss me
On that midnight street
Sweep me off my feet
Singing ain't this life so sweet

This years love had better last
This years love had better last

So whose to worry
If our hearts get torn
When that hurt gets thrown
Don't you know this life goes on
And won't you kiss me
On that midnight street
Sweep me off my feet
Singing ain't this life so sweet

This years love had better last
This years love had better last
This years love had better last
This years love had better last

*