Music Monday - No Reason To Get Excited pt.2

In high school, one of my teachers asked us to write an essay defending original thought vs. inspiration. I took a stance that was something along the lines of: people build on existing inspiration. The "new" is never possible without what came before... like cover songs!

A few years ago my sister made a post comparing herself to our father through the use of a song cover as an example. Same... but different.

The song of choice was, All Along The Watchtower, and the illustration painted our dad as the Jimmy Hendrix version, whereas Ailen was the Dave Matthews rendition.

Today, I accidentally stumbled upon Jamie N. Commons singing the same song, and I am very happy to claim it as my own "same but different" All Along The Watchtower:

We're all just copies of each other, trying to rediscover ourselves.
You can find my sister's original post here.

Music Monday: Night Owl

Category: Songs That Describe Me

The Good Lovelies - In The Morning

Groceries

THERE IS NO FOOD IN THIS HOUSE!!!!!!!

Oh.... um, wait -

Did I buy groceries?!?!?!

Even the panty is stocked!

This is amazing! I am so excited, all the food I love is here... Now just wait should I make?

Ahhhh it's like an unforgiving cycle! Have to buy the food, have to put the food away, have to make something with the food, food gets eaten, have to buy more food! ...so troublesome.

Thankfully, there is this pretty cool person I live with who has been dealing with these types of grown-up problems longer than I have been. You are incredible sister, thank-you for making me yummy food to eat!

Tons of love. K.

Will

Admittedly I know nothing of the feel fresh snow beneath wooden boards strapped on the bottom of one's foot. But it is a sensation that others in my family crave.

Will Colford is a family friend who would hit the slopes with our brother Jordan. The two of them, with their snowboards and cameras, captured some pretty epic shots. Will is now a professional photographer, and has entered into The North Face photo contest Guts For Glory.

This is his submission Afternoon Delines:


Go here to vote now, it's a 'one click' process! (two in your case because you have to click on my link, and then you have to click the 'vote' button...just go vote!)

Music Monday: Angus & Julia

A little while ago it came to my attention that I've been a bad sister. I've told you before that sometimes I forget to tell Ailen about certain artists or songs... this is one of those times.

I first heard the Australian brother and sister, Angus and Julia Stone, while I was working for Carmon at Sprouts Greenhouse. Carmon is amazing and has been responsible for introducing me to much of the great music I love, Xavier Rudd, Bon Iver, the song "Set Fire to The Third Bar", and the always beautiful KT Tunstall.

This song captured me.
Actually, the following video is two songs... the second one is the bonus song from the album, but I always end up listening to them both, so for me they flow together really nicely and it is sometimes hard to listen to one without the other. I hope you enjoy, but be warned... they are both really sad.


Evidently the first song is called The Devil's Tears and the second one is Old Friend.
I would not mind if 'Old Friend' was played at my funeral. Just sayin'

Alright, alright, alright!
I know, I've gone and made you all soppy and sad, don't worry I'm gonna fix it.

This next song is a brilliant remix of A&J's song Big Jet Plane. It took me FOREVER to find online, but I did it just for you.

While listening to this song I always picture guys with canes and bowler hats dancing to it... lit from behind so all you can see is there silhouette as they try to win the heart of the woman they love... :D

Happy Monday everybody! Check out Carmon's Youtube channel while you're here. She's been making videos on how to beat the winter blues with the food you make in this season. It is well worth a visit, and perfect for eating healthy in the new year!

Back At It

Well today was the first day back at school. It feels good to have the order and schedule return after so many weeks away. My first impression? It's gonna be a lot of work.

Ailen bought a new day timer last night, and told me that she only wanted to see one week at a time. "Would you be more overwhelmed if you had a month view?" I asked, and without hesitation my sister responded with "Yes."

Like any first day of term, we began class with a look at the order of projects for the next five weeks. As my sister might guess, it was overwhelming, but we finished the reading and proceeded with the work for the day and much was accomplished. Even when the power went out in the afternoon!

My only hope in this new year is to focus my energies towards being better motivated and less of a procrastinator. If I am able to effectively plan my tasks for one week, then there is no need to be concerned with the overwhelming reality of the next few months.

Learning how to function responsibly right? That's the trick ;)

Music Monday: Ailen

A celebration of life, friendship, and all that makes the world light. A purely wonderful and relaxing weekend... and sister your birthday isn't even until tomorrow!

'Happy Birthday Ailen' sung by Sarah Vann, Ari Neufeld, Peter Stone, Denise McKay, Curtis Glas and Brent Tyler.


You can see this song, and the conversation after it here. This is an unlisted youtube video, and so you can only reach it through the link... all I'm gonna say is that it is a good representation of what the weekend was like :D

P.S. Brent Tyler, I would like to add some of those pictures Jordan took of Ailen listening to this song. Send them to me?

Recognize These Women?

Jirka Vaatainen is a Graphic Design student who has recently received wide recognition for his interpretation of classic Disney princesses 'in real life'.

"Really Kelsey?" said my brain.
"What?!?" I replied.
"Recently, received, recognition... You couldn't find any synonymous?"
"Do we really have to talk about this now? I am in the middle of a blog post and you are interrupting me."
"Well if you are going to be so repetitive than it's a good thing I did! I think it's time for me to take charge here."
"What is that supposed to mean?!"
"Step aside Kelsey, and let me do the work..."

These three photos are only a taste of the wonders you will find on Jirka's blog! He started the Disney character manipulation with his favorite vilian Ursula, the half woman, half octopus that scammed the Little Mermaid Arielle into giving up her voice for human legs, with only one shot at making the Prince fall in love with her! The photos will amaze you, ASTOUND you, and perhaps have you wondering "Have I met her before?" only to catch your breath once you realize that you've known her your entire life...

"You really think that was worth it?" I asked my pompous brain.
"Of course! I switch things up, make it more interesting for your readers instead of just the same old 'Go check this thing out, I think it's sooo great, maneneaneamn bla!' I actually get the reader excited about what I'm showing them."

"... I don't talk like that. That is the worst impression of me I've ever heard."
"What? Oh! You mean... (raises voice a bit too high) 'I'm Kelsey and I'm so cool, you should be my friend." Like that?"
"We are not having this conversation in front of our readers."
"Why? Are you--"
"CAN WE JUST TELL THEM ABOUT JIRKA'S BLOG AND GET ON WITH IT?!?!?!"

The pictures are really well done. I hope you all enjoy them, and I also hope these images remind you of childhood... the child inside you, never taking anything in life to seriously ;)

"That's how you're ending the blog?" my brain asked.
"Yes! Do you have a problem with that?"
"No... I actually kind of like it."
"...Thanks."
"Hey! Let's go have a butter, peanut butter and jam sandwich cut in fours!"

Hey everyone! Just want to let you all know I appreciate that you spend time reading the blog... ESPECIALLY on days like today when I get a bit carried away :) Enjoy the princess, and make time to revert to some child-like behavior every now and again. CHEERS!

Murmuration

So I did have a brilliant blog post planned for today, where I talked about the meaning of life and such, but then I found this video. I really must share it with you. It is incredible, Dustin (and anyone else afraid of birds) do NOT watch this video... everyone else, it is the DEFINITION of

majesty.

"A chance encounter and shared moment with one of natures greatest and most fleeting phenomena. "

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Music Monday: Nerdtastic Halloween

Back in June... perhaps it was before then... my friend Kirstie announced that this year her house would be turning into a Harry Potter Haunted House for Halloween! Well today is the day my friends. Halloween is here, the Harry Potter Haunted House is built and ready for action, and in honor of that I give you a Wizard Rock/Pop Love Song... enjoy and Happy Halloween :D

For Aunt Jocelyn

SCARVES!

Back at Thanksgiving our Aunt Jocelyn asked if we could give her some tips on how to wear her scarf. Unfortunately neither Ailen or I had the chance to do so before Jocelyn left the farm. So although it is late Aunt Jo, here are some of my go-to styles for a variety of scarves... just in time for a shift in the weather ;)

There are four basic types of scarf in my closet... The Classic Knit ~ The Perfect Square ~ The Smooth Pashmina ~ and The Giant Rectangle...

Let's start with the Classic Knit... Step 1: wrap it around as many times as possible, and leave some ends to work with. Step 2: tuck one end through a loop to keep it warm and cozy. VIOLA! Easy. Warm. Lovable.

With a few more steps we have the Perfect Square... Step 1: fold in half diagonally. Step 2: place the 90 degree angle in the front. Step 3: wrap the ends around neck, and tuck them under the front (if you find that the ends continually stick out you can always tie them loosely together under the front). Adjust as you like and DONE! Cute. Practical. Fun.



Now I am going to reveal a trick my sister taught me years ago! This one goes best with the Smooth Pashmina, stay with me... Step 1: drape around neck as shown. Step 2: wrap one (longer) side across front, around neck and back to the front (not shown). Step 3: reach between wrapped loop and one hanging end and grab other hanging end. Step 4: Pull through and adjust for show, because you just made a scarf braid! MAGIC! Clean. Sophisticated. Puzzling.

This next one is probably what I use the most. The Giant Rectangle may or may not be my favorite ;) ... Step 1: fold corners diagonally creating two 90 degree points. Step 2: Pick a point to put in the front. Step 3: wrap the other side around the back of neck. Step 4: bring second point into the front and tuck the end in the back. Now you have two points in the front! Cozy. Dynamic. Fascinating.



Typically with this last one you'll catch me taking advantage of the extra folds in the back to make myself a little covering over my head...


Like I said this one is dynamic, and probably my favorite because of that!

So Aunt Jocelyn I hope this helped give some new life and inspiration to your scarf wearing habits. And I hope all of you enjoyed today's little tutorial. As an extra bonus here is Ailen putting on the Giant Rectangle ...free-hand style! :D

Never Enough

Time. Tick-tock goes the clock. Once upon a time. Time after time. Time and time again. In time. Time warp. Time flies when you're having fun. Time travel. Time is money. What time is it Mr. Wolf?

Sometimes, I think I have an obsession with time. Lately I've been recognizing how often I ask my sister "What time is it?". My mother will remember that growing up I would always measure the amount of time I slept during the night. The last thing I would do is check the time, and count the hours until I had to get up, just to measure how much sleep I could get, and then first thing in the morning I would compare the outcome with my hypothesis. Well actually... I still do that quite often. But the question is why?

You would think that after enough repetition of the same routine, the human brain would adapt and tell the body "You need 8 hours of sleep. You wake up at 7:30am. Go to sleep at 11:30pm no later. Therefore be in bed at 11:00pm no later. Begin winding down your day approximately between 10:00pm - 10:30pm, or earlier." buuuuut no! That isn't how it goes. Instead the brain says "You've got time. You can go with less sleep. How much is it gonna hurt you?" and the mindset of 'Not Enough Hours In The Day' takes over as an easy out.

See, I'm a procrastinator, it happens that is just the way it goes. I live with it, I figure out how best to work with it. However, I then turn blame from myself (and my lack of time management skills) in to a fault of the Earth's rotation. Saying "If only the day were longer!" ...truth being told, a longer day wouldn't help. What I would end up doing is using it to procrastinate just a wee bit more.

My friends... there is a time for work, and a time for rest. May we all learn to use that time in a balanced and skillful way.

Music Mondays: I Think I'm In Love

This guy have got some mad skills! Mike Tompkins has made a name for himself on Youtube with his all-natural vocal talents and (I'm sure) dazzling smile. He makes even the most unflattering facial positions look charming as he wins the crowd over with his incredible talent.

"Confident yet amazingly down to earth, Mike’s goal remains to make great music, put a smile on people’s faces, and show his diversity as an artist."

- Mike's Website

Born in Edmonton, and now based out of London Ontario, here is a true Canadian gem. Enjoy!

Regardless of Fear

A year ago today (basically) I arrived in the city of Hyderabad, India. Embarking on a journey that I had waited for many years. Most of you know all about it, and sister, I'm pretty sure you're getting tired of me talking about my trip as often as I do... for that I apologize. Today however I'm not going to reminisce about my time, but instead invite you to marvel with me at how much of a difference a year can make.

I remember standing at the counter in The Calgary International Airport waiting for the woman there to print out my baggage tags. It was then, while I was standing alone with my friends/farewell party a sort distance away, that the enormity of my endeavor hit me for the very first time. I was overcome, and as I turned back to face the trio cheering me on, my eyes found my sister's and I could not hold back the flood gates any longer. The tears rolled, and I knew there was no turning back.

Fast forward.

As I left my first day of school on Wednesday, the assistant teacher Laura-Beth, who has just started her third year at Ecole Holt Couture, asked me if I'd been nervous that day. I confessed to her that I was nervous whenever I wasn't at the school, or around other people from the school. Nervous about entering into a new phase, only knowing that this is what I want to do, not sure if I'll succeed, but knowing again that there was no turning back.

It is the same feeling I felt when leaving for India. This is something I want, and have waited for. There are people backing me and supporting my choice. I have come to the very edge of the task, and all that is left is to complete it. But it is big, new, and unknown. What will become of me along the way to completion? Will I follow through successfully?

In both cases numerous people have asked me "Are you excited?". I can never answer that truthfully, because I feel like it does not apply. I get excited about free coffee, good movies, spontaneous letters, and seeing my nieces and nephew. These things all guarantee full pleasure and enjoyment without worry or care. How can that feeling be associated with a step that takes you towards something that has so much detail, planning, and risk involved? An answer that I gave to a friend of mine when he asked me this question was "No. But I'm ready." regardless of fear.

So I guess my point is this, the difference between last year and this physically, is exponential. The difference emotionally, remains unchanged. What I take to heart this time, is knowing how amazing my experience in India was. I had the time of my life with incredible people, and even though I've now 'checked India off my list' I know that the time I spent there will not be the last. Therefore it was worth the wait, and the risk. With this knowledge I venture into the first year of this four year program, ready to take on the challenges that may arise, for the joy of the experience.

21

...it seems different somehow. I have never really been concerned with my age. But I was laying awake the other night and it hit me. Soon I'll be 21. And it seems like a point of no return. Not in a sad way... just different.

As though, past this point, there will be more responsibility, more doubt, and just more difficulty as the path ahead shifts and turns out of sight, and understanding.

Thankfully I have a few people in my life who help to pave the way through "Points of No Return". Not least of these being my dear cousin Emma. She just had her 21st birthday on Tuesday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA!

I need to thank you cousin, for being the beautiful, heartfelt, passionate inspiration that you are. And also for being such a wonderful friend.

Here's to the ever changing future.

Music Mondays: Adele

My sister always gets mad at me for not introducing songs to her. It's not as if I intentionally do this, I simply... forget! The most detrimental example of this being that one time when I didn't show her "Hide and Seek" by Imogen Heap. I think she still holds a tiny grudge in her heart against both me and our eldest brother for that one! Hey! At least you know it NOW right Ai?

Anyways, moving on to the topic at hand, the amazing musical talent of singer/songwriter Adele... Ailen bought her latest album "21" on Friday and we haven't stopped listening to it since! Instead of posting one of her new songs this morning, I've opted to post an older one in the hopes that I will not get penalized for neglecting to show it to my sister earlier. See I had asked Ailen if she knew this song, she replied with a "I think, maybe...? I don't know." So to stay on the safe side, we all win by my posting of "Chasing Pavements" by Adele:

Music Monday: Elizabethtown

As my sister has pointed out there are a lot of options for Music Monday's posts. I wasn't even sure who I would focus on this week until the movie Elizabethtown came on T.V.

I love this movie (sorry Em, it's true <3). It's one that both my sister an I return to every now and then just to bask in the sunlight of it. The composition, writing, and portrayal all work seamlessly together to create an incredibly touching story, and the soundtrack is the icing! Including such songs as: It'll All Work Out, by Tom Petty
Io, by Helen Stellar
Come Pick Me Up, by Ryan Adams
...and one song that, after first watching to movie, I discovered our Dad knew every word of by heart. Our parents always say that their music started it all, that today's generation is taking music cues from their's. Well... actually how our parents say it is a bit different, it goes something like... "We had it first honey!"

Anyway I guess it's time I said it... Mom, Dad, you're right. I cannot count the number of songs I have "discovered" only to learn that you were already well aware of their existence.

The song that made it onto the soundtrack of Elizabethtown, as Orlando Bloom's character (Drew) begins his solitary road trip across the U.S.A, that Dad knew every word of is:

Let it All Hang Out, by The Hombres

"Sadness is easier because its surrender. I say make time to dance alone with one hand waving free." - Claire, Elizabethtown

The World as an Oyster

Our Mum has this technique, I guess you would call it, of getting us to figure out what we want to eat when we really have no idea. She will say something close to this,

I want you to close or eyes and think about what you would like if you could have exactly what you wanted. It can be anything at all! What do you want right now?

And wonder of wonders, like all mother's tricks the world over, it works. With food. I only wish it worked for everything else as well. My sister understands this I know... The desire to be able to form the next stage of your life, and then have it materialize in front of you. Oh that life were just that easy.

Regardless I find myself, two nights in a row, closing my eyes and picking an imaginary journey for myself. At the moment, this has led me to Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe.

Photo from here

Photo from here Photo from here

Photo from here

First introduced to me by my wonderful high school art teacher, and present day friend Kerri Colwell, Victoria Falls has ever since captivated my imagination. The fact that one may, not only sit in the swimming hole (aptly named "Devil's Pool", photo #2), but also rest on the edge of it without falling into the abyss bellow, simply blows my mind! Can you even imagine what that moment would feel like? To be secured before a precipice, with rushing water cascading downwards creating deafening thunder all around you! To be caught between what is, and what could be: the possibility of falling, and the joy of staying.

So what is your answer? If you closed your eyes right now and could choose any option for the next step in your life, anything at all, what would it be? Me, I'm still stuck between what is, and what could be.

Get a Winter High

In my opinion the only way to do this in Alberta is with a Rocky Mountain High. In the second week of February, our family took a trip to the beautiful Columbia Valley. Therefore, let us proceed in the words of John Denver.

I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullaby...

You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply...

I know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly...

...Rocky Mountain High.

Thanks for the wonderful week family. I love you.

For the full 2011 Almanac posting go here.

Celebrate Culture

On the first leg of my journey home I was on a flight traveling from Hyderabad to Mumbai. Sitting in my TVless seat I found myself flipping through the pages of the most recent edition of Jet Airways' in flight magazine "JetWings". It was in these pages where I discovered their version of the perfect 2011 Almanac. As I skimmed though it I found myself compelled by each heading for the next month.

January- Celebrate Culture
Febuary- Get a Winter High
March- Cup Overflows
April- Care For the Planet
May- One For the kids
June- Head For the Himalayas
July- Let it Rain
August- Explore Heritage
September- Hit the Road
October- Shop Smart
November- Into the Wild
December- Follow the Music

The article was directed to the standard young East Indian family, the parents and 2.5 kids, and their adventures around Incredible India! Yet I have decided to follow this in 2011. No, I probably won't be back to India this year, and I don't necessarily remember what was said under each heading, but I am going to take each heading for the month and incorporate it somehow into my life (you're welcome to join). Starting with January of course! ;)

Celebrate Culture
What an appropriate topic for the month that just went by! Being back home is great. I didn't expect that. I had expected to be frustrated, and anxious, mad at the world for all of the inequality in it and furious with myself for not being able to do anything about it. But I'm not. I love India, the people, the noise, the dust and traffic, the many different landscapes, and all the different cultures mixed into one country... I also love Canada. The wide open space and the way I can see all the way to the horizon without being interrupted by smog. The bitting cold outside, and the piles of snow, the way the people are courteous to one another, and the warmth of being close to old friends, and loving family. Aside from being a bit guilty when eating onions, being back in Canada feels completely normal, as if I never left. And that seems strange to me. I suppose that is the best outcome in this scenario. It allows me to celebrate both cultures of India and Canada at the same time.



For more on the Indian onion crisis take a look at this article from the Globe and Mail.