Musical Interlude

... in which I propose that "Beggin for Thread" by Banks



is not only closely related to "The Jeweller's Hands" by the Arctic Monkeys



in style, but also that the narratives of the songs answer each other.

Different Night, Different Bowl

Went to the Redlands Bowl after work tonight to hear the symphony. They had a Beethoven program which was quite lovely, with the 5th piano concerto and 7th symphony.

I managed a little spinning on my Tour de Fleece project today, although I am hopelessly short of my goal. I thought I could catch up tonight and Saturday, but I got called in to work and I can always use the hours.

On that note, I think it is bedtime!

Swimming in Music

I have been soaking in Scottish folk tunes since yesterday. My current obsession is "Cam Ye O'er Frae France" most famously by Steeleye Span and covered by Highland Way last night. I just want to drown in the sound. The picture is boring, but the sound... oh the sound.


...and to keep up the fiber content

Highland Way

I went to the Redlands Bowl tonight to see a night of Scottish Music; I thought it would be primarily piping. My first clue that something might be "up" was the fact that the parking lots were full and the place was jam-packed. The opening perfomance was a pipe and drum band, but the feature was a more modern band called Highland Way . They are quite good! There were some original songs, some Dougie McLean covers (will I ever stop calling him Dougie McDougal?), some traditional tunes and even a Steeleye Span song *swoon*. Oh, and a cover of the Proclaimers. Mmmm, Proclaimers. I thoroughly enjoyed singing along and knitting away.

OMG I Got Out of the House

It is a beautiful day here today. I went to yoga this morning - Ashtanga - which leaves me happy, but sore and exhausted. I went to the grocery store and then made breakfast... mmmm. I haven't been cooking much lately (just throwing things together, mostly) and it felt good just to scramble up some eggs and toast some toast. Now I am at the coffee shop and listening to Jim Croce. I feel like I am 6 again.

Yesterday the angora rabbit got groomed and today it was the dog's turn (above). She did not shed out her entire winter coat and it started to mat when I wasn't looking. She was not excited about being perched on the washing machine, but I managed to get her somewhat brushed out.

Yesterday was also our monthy Riverspinners meeting / annual pool party, and it was a smashing success. There were new people and returning people, and I think everyone had a great time. There was knitting, spinning, crocheting and bobbin lace and Cheryl had a finished quilting project that was just lovely. There was quite a lot of splashing in the pool, and Julia showed me some synchronized swimming tips. I am constantly amazed at all the fun hobbies out there that I have no idea about.

In the evening I went out the coffee shop and saw a bluegrass concert - This Just In was the opening act and they were pretty darn good in a traditional way. Then the headline band came on - Cliff Wagner & the Old No. 7. They were amazing. Spectacular. Out of this world. I was so enthralled that I had to - get this - put down my knitting. It was fantastic. Go see them if you can.

To finish up, here is that picture of me in my Very Fine Hat* at the Renaissance Faire in Irwindale this past spring. I got to hold the owl. I was very, very still and very, very excited. Sorry about the glare on my glasses. I never remember to tip my head.

*Firefly pilot episode "Serenity". Apologies to Joss and Tim.

Exciting Stuff

Things here are still par for the new and impoved course. Yoga is going well, and helping at the studios is going well. We are still taking sign-ups for the yoga retreat in Hawaii in May. I hope I win the lottery before then!

Knitting is being accomplished - I have been chipping away at Mandy's sweater again, and worked on the Uncloudy Day socks. In face, I took them to go see The Bladerunners at the Coffee Depot (with Pacific Ocean Bluegrass) last weekend. It was a good time. The ginger ale was superb and I splurged on a cd. I don't know if it was a good value - it is amazingly depressing. I mean, Morrissey could take lessons from this disc. I guess I like the new stuff (with the new guys) better than the old stuff (with the former guys).

I finished my second library book yesterday. It was "The Terror" by Dan Simmons. A great read - I think I managed 600 pages yesterday (of 800). It is a fictionalized account of a real mid-19th century British polar expedition. I probably don't have to add "doomed" as a qualifier there. It was pretty much the way they all went. But it was riveting, a page turner, and made ya think too. It was loads better than "Sea-Cursed" (my other library book), a collection of short stories about the sea - all wierd, scary, or gross in some way. There were only a couple I really enjoyed. There are some good authors in it, though: Clive Barker; Roger Zelazny; Roald Dahl, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Edgar Allen Poe (who had a cameo in "The Terror", now that I think about it).

I am mentally gearing up for my trip to the AZ Handweaver's Conference next weekend. I am going to augment my adventure with a visit to the family in Phoenix. It will be short, but I am sure we will have a good time.