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| A lovely piano that belongs to a friend of mine. |
Saturday, September 24, 2011
The Piano Knows Something I Don't Know
If I had to choose a favorite instrument among the many that please my ear, I would have to go with piano. I find it has the most soothing of sounds, with silvery, tinkling high notes, or rich, melodious low ones. Piano can be sassy, jazzy, declarative, or the deepest of melancholy. It can be bubbly, high-spirited, and enchanting. I love its versatility, and I think that's why it appeals so much to me. Its sound is only limited by the player's imagination; as though the monochromatic keys issue a dare with the press of each note: "be adventurous, be creative; paint with the invisible words that say so much."
When I type, I like to listen to piano. That way, I can pretend that those soulful notes emanating from my iTunes are my creation. Reality reveals, however, that I will always love piano music from afar because regrettably, I lack the skill and dexterity required to produce even a string of sequential harmonious notes. *Sigh....*
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Do Some Good: Sevenly
It appears my Shakespeare class is good for more than just discussing plays and character foils. Yesterday, a fellow classmate had received a package in the mail & was showing it off to another person in the class. The class only has twelve people in it, so it's hard not to overhear. I asked her about the package when she mentioned it had to do with a charity.
As it turns out, the package contained an awesome t-shirt, and that tee came from Sevenly, a company whose mission is to generate awareness and capital for some of the biggest global causes.
Similar to Yellow Bird Project, Sevenly prints graphics submitted by passionate individuals who strive to improve the lives of humanity. How is Sevenly different? They team up with 52 charities in one year, and have a new t-shirt campaign each week. From planting 3 trees and 4 edible crops for families in Haiti, to providing one day of medical care and food for girls rescued from the sex trade, the profits from the sale of each shirt are contributed to providing significant aid to individuals and families in desperate need.
One thing remains the same: you get a sweet shirt & contribute to making this world we share a better place.
To learn more about Sevenly, read their mission statement, or view their current campaign, check out their website: http://sevenly.org/
Whether it's buying a shirt, or volunteering in your own back yard, you can impact the lives of those in need.
Do Some Good out there!
-- L.V.
As it turns out, the package contained an awesome t-shirt, and that tee came from Sevenly, a company whose mission is to generate awareness and capital for some of the biggest global causes.
Similar to Yellow Bird Project, Sevenly prints graphics submitted by passionate individuals who strive to improve the lives of humanity. How is Sevenly different? They team up with 52 charities in one year, and have a new t-shirt campaign each week. From planting 3 trees and 4 edible crops for families in Haiti, to providing one day of medical care and food for girls rescued from the sex trade, the profits from the sale of each shirt are contributed to providing significant aid to individuals and families in desperate need.
One thing remains the same: you get a sweet shirt & contribute to making this world we share a better place.
To learn more about Sevenly, read their mission statement, or view their current campaign, check out their website: http://sevenly.org/
Whether it's buying a shirt, or volunteering in your own back yard, you can impact the lives of those in need.
Do Some Good out there!
-- L.V.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Live from Folklore Coffee & Co...
There is the most adorable little cafe in the center of the town where I go to school. My hipster heart squees with joy each time I go there (which was four times last week, but hey, who's counting?) At any rate, it is called Folklore, and while having menu items named for storybook characters and being a unique establishment, the atmosphere is nothing short of magical.
This past weekend, Folklore had live music performances from several talented and entertaining gentlemen: Talain Rayne, Mark Rose, Jon Walker (formerly of Panic! At the Disco) and Lucas Carpenter.
Rayne, whose sound is similar to that of The Fray, writes melodious, heartrending songs. His piano playing abilities are only surpassed by his wonderful voice. Have a listen:
I think my dreams would come true if he played piano by my bed as I fell asleep. *sigh.*
I was pulled out of my music-and-pumpkin-spice-latte stupor when Rayne introduced his song, "16". As Rayne told it, he used to work as a kid's summer camp counselor. He and another counselor had taken the kids out to a lake on the camp grounds. While swimming and playing with the kids, his co-worked went to reach into the water to pull on the arm of one of the kids she had been playing with. In actuality, she pulled up the body of a sixteen-year-old girl who had recently been murdered. The teen's body had rocks tied to her arms and legs.
Rayne wrote the song in the girl's memory, raising such questions as "who would she be if she had lived?" This song literally struck such a chord with me, and I knew I had to share it with you. Take nothing for granted; this life is so short, and can be taken in an instant.
Next up, we heard from Mark Rose. Another mellow music writer who should play songs by my bed. I especially like his inspirational track, "How Strong We Are." Scratch that, Mark. You should play beside me as I take a quiz in my Shakespeare class this Wednesday.
The much awaited Jon Walker performed then. His songs were distinctly his own, particularly the song he wrote about his beard.
Last, but certainly not least, in the night's line-up was the most comical, Lucas Carpenter. Carpenter had fantastic stage presence, and the audience gathered in the warm, dimly lit coffee shop did not experience a dearth of laughter while he played his set.
Great music, great food, and great friends combined to make one of the best evenings I've had thus far in my college career. Folklore Coffee & Co, you know the way to my music (and tea/occasionally coffee loving) heart!
I'll keep you updated on any future live music events at my favorite coffee shop!
--L.V.
This past weekend, Folklore had live music performances from several talented and entertaining gentlemen: Talain Rayne, Mark Rose, Jon Walker (formerly of Panic! At the Disco) and Lucas Carpenter.
Rayne, whose sound is similar to that of The Fray, writes melodious, heartrending songs. His piano playing abilities are only surpassed by his wonderful voice. Have a listen:
I think my dreams would come true if he played piano by my bed as I fell asleep. *sigh.*
I was pulled out of my music-and-pumpkin-spice-latte stupor when Rayne introduced his song, "16". As Rayne told it, he used to work as a kid's summer camp counselor. He and another counselor had taken the kids out to a lake on the camp grounds. While swimming and playing with the kids, his co-worked went to reach into the water to pull on the arm of one of the kids she had been playing with. In actuality, she pulled up the body of a sixteen-year-old girl who had recently been murdered. The teen's body had rocks tied to her arms and legs.
Rayne wrote the song in the girl's memory, raising such questions as "who would she be if she had lived?" This song literally struck such a chord with me, and I knew I had to share it with you. Take nothing for granted; this life is so short, and can be taken in an instant.
Next up, we heard from Mark Rose. Another mellow music writer who should play songs by my bed. I especially like his inspirational track, "How Strong We Are." Scratch that, Mark. You should play beside me as I take a quiz in my Shakespeare class this Wednesday.
The much awaited Jon Walker performed then. His songs were distinctly his own, particularly the song he wrote about his beard.
Last, but certainly not least, in the night's line-up was the most comical, Lucas Carpenter. Carpenter had fantastic stage presence, and the audience gathered in the warm, dimly lit coffee shop did not experience a dearth of laughter while he played his set.
Great music, great food, and great friends combined to make one of the best evenings I've had thus far in my college career. Folklore Coffee & Co, you know the way to my music (and tea/occasionally coffee loving) heart!
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| Inside Folklore! |
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| Talain Rayne performing. |
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| Talain Rayne. |
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| Jon Walker. |
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| Jon Walker. |
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| Mark Rose. |
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| A guy wearing TOMS. I love TOMS shoes, and I just thought this was a neat picture. |
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| Lucas Carpenter. |
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| Lucas Carpenter. |
I'll keep you updated on any future live music events at my favorite coffee shop!
--L.V.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Do Some Good: Yellow Bird Project
I don't know about you, but I love helping people. I love that feel-good sensation you get by just being a compassionate human being.
Casey and Matt of Yellow Bird Project feel that way too. YBP is a Montreal-based nonprofit that creates one-of-a-kind t-shirt designs that support a variety of charities chosen by an incredible mix of indie rock musicians, including Andrew Bird, Of Montreal, Beach House, Wolfmother, and many more. The bands design the shirt graphic, Yellow Bird Project prints it, you buy it 'cause you love the band (and support their cause!) and BOOM! you feel like a great person, rep' your favorite band, and help others in need, all in one. Look at you go, you super hero, you.
For more information on Yellow Bird Project, the charities, the bands, and of course, the glorious catalog of merch, check out their website by clicking the link below.
Thanks for reading, and Do Some Good out there!
-- L.V.
Casey and Matt of Yellow Bird Project feel that way too. YBP is a Montreal-based nonprofit that creates one-of-a-kind t-shirt designs that support a variety of charities chosen by an incredible mix of indie rock musicians, including Andrew Bird, Of Montreal, Beach House, Wolfmother, and many more. The bands design the shirt graphic, Yellow Bird Project prints it, you buy it 'cause you love the band (and support their cause!) and BOOM! you feel like a great person, rep' your favorite band, and help others in need, all in one. Look at you go, you super hero, you.
For more information on Yellow Bird Project, the charities, the bands, and of course, the glorious catalog of merch, check out their website by clicking the link below.
Thanks for reading, and Do Some Good out there!
-- L.V.
Dream Chasing
At my campus job, one of the activities my co-workers and I engaged in is something called a "pat bag." We each took a brown paper bag and wrote our name on it, and then taped it upside-right to the wall. Throughout the week, we wrote each other little notes (signed or anonymous) saying things we noticed that the person did well at our job, kind of like a written "pat on the back". At the end of the week, we took the bags home and got to read all of the lovely things people said.
One of my friends closed her note to me with a phrase I won't soon forget:
"Keep on chasing down your passion like the last bus of the night."
That was in June.
In August, one of the editors of my college's campus newspaper contacted me, offering me a position to write about music for the Opinion section of the paper. She had seen this blog, and liked my style; both my writing and my flare for music. I spastically flailed my arms around after I read the email and wanted to stop people in the streets to tell them how excited I was. It's like booking your first gig at a tiny coffee house: even though only a few people are going to be there when you play, and even fewer will care, you're out of the garage, and you get a small taste of the reality of what it is you love to do.
My column is called "Put Your Records On" (the title was created by my editor, and I think it is wonderful!) It's only around 300 words for the weekly publication, but it's a blast because I get to talk about something I love. Tomorrow, my article will be in the first printing of the campus newspaper for the semester.
Some might say that this small-time success is pointless. I say cheer up, buttercup. One small step for another is one giant leap for L.V. (look at this kid, mixing her metaphors like that. She's gone mad!)
Maybe you're wondering, "well, that's cool and all, but what does any of this have to do with me?"
Here's a few tips for pursuing (and hopefully, capturing!) that often elusive creature, success:
1. Find something you love, and throw yourself into it. You don't even have to be good at it to begin, you just have to love it. Enjoying what you do increases your chances of wanting to learn everything about your chosen activity and how to do it well.
2. Do you, dude. Whatever it is you choose to do, do it for you. Don't write, play, or create for other people. Make yourself happy with your work first, and the rest will follow.
3. Stay true. Once you've established your activity, don't lose yourself to it, or let other people change you because of it. Keep it simple: just do what you love, stop when you don't love it, and don't let negative influences tell you otherwise.
That's about all I've got for tonight. My Shakespeare homework is calling me...
Anyways, whatever you do, wherever you are, whatever it is you love, I hope you get the chance to share it with your world, whether that's through your personal website, your school, or even with a bunch of your closest friends.
"Keep on chasing down your passion like the last bus of the night." Remember that.
One of my friends closed her note to me with a phrase I won't soon forget:
"Keep on chasing down your passion like the last bus of the night."
That was in June.
In August, one of the editors of my college's campus newspaper contacted me, offering me a position to write about music for the Opinion section of the paper. She had seen this blog, and liked my style; both my writing and my flare for music. I spastically flailed my arms around after I read the email and wanted to stop people in the streets to tell them how excited I was. It's like booking your first gig at a tiny coffee house: even though only a few people are going to be there when you play, and even fewer will care, you're out of the garage, and you get a small taste of the reality of what it is you love to do.
My column is called "Put Your Records On" (the title was created by my editor, and I think it is wonderful!) It's only around 300 words for the weekly publication, but it's a blast because I get to talk about something I love. Tomorrow, my article will be in the first printing of the campus newspaper for the semester.
Some might say that this small-time success is pointless. I say cheer up, buttercup. One small step for another is one giant leap for L.V. (look at this kid, mixing her metaphors like that. She's gone mad!)
Maybe you're wondering, "well, that's cool and all, but what does any of this have to do with me?"
Here's a few tips for pursuing (and hopefully, capturing!) that often elusive creature, success:
1. Find something you love, and throw yourself into it. You don't even have to be good at it to begin, you just have to love it. Enjoying what you do increases your chances of wanting to learn everything about your chosen activity and how to do it well.
2. Do you, dude. Whatever it is you choose to do, do it for you. Don't write, play, or create for other people. Make yourself happy with your work first, and the rest will follow.
3. Stay true. Once you've established your activity, don't lose yourself to it, or let other people change you because of it. Keep it simple: just do what you love, stop when you don't love it, and don't let negative influences tell you otherwise.
That's about all I've got for tonight. My Shakespeare homework is calling me...
Anyways, whatever you do, wherever you are, whatever it is you love, I hope you get the chance to share it with your world, whether that's through your personal website, your school, or even with a bunch of your closest friends.
"Keep on chasing down your passion like the last bus of the night." Remember that.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
May You Always Have a Roof for the Rain...
I swear to you it doesn't rain here every day. I've been going a mile a minute since I've been back at school, and when it rains, it means I stay inside mostly, but not always. I'm in a Shakespearean drama course, so I've read two plays in a week and a day (they are As You Like It and Twelfth Night for those who are interested, haha). Not gonna lie, I'm a fan of the bard, but I will keep my ramblings about him to a minimum since that is not why you're here (if it is, so sorry, although I would love to discuss it with you.)
Okay, so this next video is a little out there, but stick with me on this one, 'cause the music itself is good. I'm a big Donnie Darko fan, and this song has echoes of Tears for Fears to me. Or even Echo & the Bunnymen, also from the movie. If you haven't seen Donnie Darko, I recommend you watch it. I mean, it's raining, what else are you going to do? Homework?
Last but certainly not least, the catch of the day: Tired Pony.
Tired Pony hails from Northern Ireland, and their rustic, indie-folk style is anything but sleepy. Their first album, The Place We Ran From was released in 2010, and they have since collaborated with the lovely Zooey Deschanel and the always charming M. Ward of She and Him, shifting their American indie-music presence from a walk to a canter. TP's track, "Get on the Road" features Deschanel.
Tired Pony's hit single from The Place We Ran From, "Dead American Writers," was aired on September 30th, 2010, when the band performed on The Late Show With David Letterman.
Like what you hear? Keep up with Tired Pony at their website, http://www.tiredpony.com/. Here's hoping they come galloping to your neck of the woods sometime soon!
Well, this has certainly been more educational than I planned. In short, watch Donnie Darko, download some Tired Pony, and remember kids, stay in school. I just helped you plan your day, and possibly even your future. You're welcome.
May you always have
Walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
and All your heart may desire. --Irish Prayer
I'm not even Irish, but I can say an "amen" to that.
Peace, love, & good music always,
-- L.V.
Okay, so this next video is a little out there, but stick with me on this one, 'cause the music itself is good. I'm a big Donnie Darko fan, and this song has echoes of Tears for Fears to me. Or even Echo & the Bunnymen, also from the movie. If you haven't seen Donnie Darko, I recommend you watch it. I mean, it's raining, what else are you going to do? Homework?
Last but certainly not least, the catch of the day: Tired Pony.
Tired Pony hails from Northern Ireland, and their rustic, indie-folk style is anything but sleepy. Their first album, The Place We Ran From was released in 2010, and they have since collaborated with the lovely Zooey Deschanel and the always charming M. Ward of She and Him, shifting their American indie-music presence from a walk to a canter. TP's track, "Get on the Road" features Deschanel.
Tired Pony's hit single from The Place We Ran From, "Dead American Writers," was aired on September 30th, 2010, when the band performed on The Late Show With David Letterman.
Like what you hear? Keep up with Tired Pony at their website, http://www.tiredpony.com/. Here's hoping they come galloping to your neck of the woods sometime soon!
Well, this has certainly been more educational than I planned. In short, watch Donnie Darko, download some Tired Pony, and remember kids, stay in school. I just helped you plan your day, and possibly even your future. You're welcome.
May you always have
Walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
and All your heart may desire. --Irish Prayer
I'm not even Irish, but I can say an "amen" to that.
Peace, love, & good music always,
-- L.V.
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