Here I am, in Doha, Qatar, and we're (Dad, Matthew and Paul) are playing a version of Settler's of Catan online. Three of us are on our laptops, and my dad is on his home computer. Nothing like family togetherness. :)
Tomorrow we're off - well, let's specify. The girls are off to be pampered. That will be nice.
I've really enjoyed Qatar so far. I'll be posting more in depth info, and pictures from the trip after I get home. I've forgotten my card reader for the camera. I better go, I need to focus on the game. (Mainly, so I don't miss my turn! - oh, and there is this great massaging chair....)
ciao.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
do i really want to grow up?
Well, I've received an acceptance letter to a school - granted this is IF I graduate, AND send in my letter of intent, three letters of recommendation, AND I have a good audition. But, barring a really bad audition, I have been accepted to UNLV graduate school, DMA program. This to me is a little strange. I'm known to joke about how old I am, but I've never joked that I'm super mature. One part of me knows that once I begin this trek towards another degree - I guess I'll need to act more grown up. However, a few of my friends have or will soon have this degree, and though they are a bit more put together than I, they're still quite normal.
I guess I have this picture of what a 'doctor' should be like. Think, Sherlock Holmes, with a bit of Poirot - super smart and a bit pretentious, with a bit of hubris, that makes them all the more forgivable. You get mad at them, but they're so good at what they do, and don't realize that they are a bit pretentious, that you are constantly forgiving them.
None of the friends I referred to earlier fit into this stereotype, so I'm not quite sure why it still lingers in my mind, but it is there. Another possible image of smartness that I've logged is that of my hero, Dr. Who. He's a doctor. I don't think there's any way possible to compete with a Time Lord, however. Nor two brainy detectives.
Moral of the story: I should be all right. I'm sure I'll have the 'what the heck am I doing' moments, but hopefully they'll grow fewer and farther between.
cheers.
I guess I have this picture of what a 'doctor' should be like. Think, Sherlock Holmes, with a bit of Poirot - super smart and a bit pretentious, with a bit of hubris, that makes them all the more forgivable. You get mad at them, but they're so good at what they do, and don't realize that they are a bit pretentious, that you are constantly forgiving them.
None of the friends I referred to earlier fit into this stereotype, so I'm not quite sure why it still lingers in my mind, but it is there. Another possible image of smartness that I've logged is that of my hero, Dr. Who. He's a doctor. I don't think there's any way possible to compete with a Time Lord, however. Nor two brainy detectives.
Moral of the story: I should be all right. I'm sure I'll have the 'what the heck am I doing' moments, but hopefully they'll grow fewer and farther between.
cheers.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
growing up
I know I am not alone in this painful process. Many of my friends, and the extended circle as well are in the process of graduating, and / or doing the whole application process. One of the schools I hope to audition for has very specific music that we are to prepare. Actually, a Sinfonia from a choice between two of Bach's cantatas. In my search to find the music for said Sinfonia, I've found, and decided to leave you with the Sinfonia, and chorus for BWV 12: Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen. I do realize that I have embedded a number of videos lately - mainly because I'm excited I learned how, but I do believe this one is worth listening to.
Translation of text: Weeping, lamenting/Worrying, quaking/Anxiety and distress/are the bread of affliction for Christians/who bear the mark of Jesus.
For those who actually understand German, I'm not sure how marvelous the translation is, but it comes from the Dover edition of the Bach-Gesellschaft Edition.
I have to admit, if growing up means that I can now participate in recreating something beautiful like this, perhaps all the pain and uncertainty are worth it.
Translation of text: Weeping, lamenting/Worrying, quaking/Anxiety and distress/are the bread of affliction for Christians/who bear the mark of Jesus.
For those who actually understand German, I'm not sure how marvelous the translation is, but it comes from the Dover edition of the Bach-Gesellschaft Edition.
I have to admit, if growing up means that I can now participate in recreating something beautiful like this, perhaps all the pain and uncertainty are worth it.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
phew!
As we all know that these quizzes never lie, thank goodness I got this right!
| Your Scholastic Strength Is Deep Thinking |
 You aren't afraid to delve head first into a difficult subject, with mastery as your goal. You are talented at adapting, motivating others, managing resources, and analyzing risk. You should major in: Philosophy Music Theology Art History Foreign language |
Thursday, November 15, 2007
for the masses??
Well, my friend and I attended a concert this evening. With this concert came the almost requisite talker throughout. Quite obnoxious if I say so myself.
I tried the ol' turn around and give a dirty look, but it wasn't very effective. There was a girl sitting next to the talker who saw me - she wasn't talking, but well, as the old adage states: Fly with the crows, get shot with the crows.
Have you ever been in one of these situations, and wanted to do something about it? Tonight, someone did! We (remember, I went with a friend) both were quite excited/pleased/happy that someone said something. It was done quite effectively and dramatically, too. It almost made up for all the other moments of talking/opening candy/typing on your computer with the screen lit up/insert other concert faux pas here. Almost.
I would quote to you what passed, but I don't have the talent for remembering the words that passed, and therefore would not do it justice.
Yes, there were moments in Music History where it was okay to talk during concerts. But, anyone who knew that would know that those times were past.
I recently gave a recital where there was a particular girl talking the entire time. Why is it always the person who has the voice most likely to carry?? Anyway, the piece that I was performing is difficult emotionally and it was quite distracting and insulting. As I was there, baring my soul to the audience, there she was, not even with enough courtesy to write it down. Everyone IS provided something to write upon. In this venue, I was able to look directly at her, but she was oblivious even to this.
The other faculty member that was the at my recital noticed my look at the offender. She promised that her General Music classes were going to receive a lecture on concert behavior.
Anytime something like this comes up, it always makes me wonder which I would prefer: a large audience filled with a mix ranging from those who are die hard oboe fans to the talkers, or a smaller audience filled with only those who want to be there. There is something exciting to performing in front of a large audience. It's exciting to share yourself with that many people. Yet, you do feel insulted when people would rather be somewhere else. Go that someplace else. I won't think less of you - in fact I'd be more inclined to think better of you. You know your limits, you know what you can handle.
For example, I can't handle too much football. I am learning, slowly, but learning nonetheless to appreciate. And I can appreciate a well played game. I watched last years Boise State triumph and found myself holding my breath in anticipation, rooting for the underdog. And when the last play came, and the opponent (Ohio??) was beaten, the excitement was palpable.
I also know that I probably couldn't handle a live football game yet, unless I was with a group of friends who knew my circumstances and were willing to help me out with the football world.
This is my transition to those who want to go to concerts. Yes, you should go. Go with a friend that belongs to the music world. If none of your friends belong there, ask the person in the seat next to you to explain things to you. It's similar to being at a fancy dinner: if you don't know what to do with the fancy fork, hold back a bit and watch what your neighbor does.
There are also instructions, usually, on the program. A brief list include the turning off of alerts on electronic devices, not talking (many times the recitals are being recorded for applications to further education), and not clapping between movements.
If you follow this simple suggestions, you will have at the very least a learning experience. If you're not careful, you may even enjoy yourself.
I tried the ol' turn around and give a dirty look, but it wasn't very effective. There was a girl sitting next to the talker who saw me - she wasn't talking, but well, as the old adage states: Fly with the crows, get shot with the crows.
Have you ever been in one of these situations, and wanted to do something about it? Tonight, someone did! We (remember, I went with a friend) both were quite excited/pleased/happy that someone said something. It was done quite effectively and dramatically, too. It almost made up for all the other moments of talking/opening candy/typing on your computer with the screen lit up/insert other concert faux pas here. Almost.
I would quote to you what passed, but I don't have the talent for remembering the words that passed, and therefore would not do it justice.
Yes, there were moments in Music History where it was okay to talk during concerts. But, anyone who knew that would know that those times were past.
I recently gave a recital where there was a particular girl talking the entire time. Why is it always the person who has the voice most likely to carry?? Anyway, the piece that I was performing is difficult emotionally and it was quite distracting and insulting. As I was there, baring my soul to the audience, there she was, not even with enough courtesy to write it down. Everyone IS provided something to write upon. In this venue, I was able to look directly at her, but she was oblivious even to this.
The other faculty member that was the at my recital noticed my look at the offender. She promised that her General Music classes were going to receive a lecture on concert behavior.
Anytime something like this comes up, it always makes me wonder which I would prefer: a large audience filled with a mix ranging from those who are die hard oboe fans to the talkers, or a smaller audience filled with only those who want to be there. There is something exciting to performing in front of a large audience. It's exciting to share yourself with that many people. Yet, you do feel insulted when people would rather be somewhere else. Go that someplace else. I won't think less of you - in fact I'd be more inclined to think better of you. You know your limits, you know what you can handle.
For example, I can't handle too much football. I am learning, slowly, but learning nonetheless to appreciate. And I can appreciate a well played game. I watched last years Boise State triumph and found myself holding my breath in anticipation, rooting for the underdog. And when the last play came, and the opponent (Ohio??) was beaten, the excitement was palpable.
I also know that I probably couldn't handle a live football game yet, unless I was with a group of friends who knew my circumstances and were willing to help me out with the football world.
This is my transition to those who want to go to concerts. Yes, you should go. Go with a friend that belongs to the music world. If none of your friends belong there, ask the person in the seat next to you to explain things to you. It's similar to being at a fancy dinner: if you don't know what to do with the fancy fork, hold back a bit and watch what your neighbor does.
There are also instructions, usually, on the program. A brief list include the turning off of alerts on electronic devices, not talking (many times the recitals are being recorded for applications to further education), and not clapping between movements.
If you follow this simple suggestions, you will have at the very least a learning experience. If you're not careful, you may even enjoy yourself.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
fyi
Thought this was a bit fun.
Which Famous Artist Are You? | |
 | You are Leonardo da Vinci. You are the "Renaissance man" and you live to be productive. Great at everything you put your mind to, you have great passion and drive. But of all qualities, your curiosity is your best trait. |
| Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com | |
Friday, November 09, 2007
no more hair balls
Well, for many reasons, some stated in the previous entry, I buzzed my head! Okay, that sounds more dramatic than it really was. Yes, I used buzzers to cut my hair, but it had a guide on them. The largest guide that our family has - I believe that it is the 1 incher.
So, I got home, blogged, and then decided that I was sick of having long hair. I mean, who really wants to keep cleaning hair out of the drain. Gross, I know!
So here is the picture that I took before I went and did the dirty deed.
And here is the after shot
My hair actually has grown quite a bit - I got it trimmed this last March or April. But, well, it had been quite a while since I've had super short hair, so it's been quite nice.
People's reactions have been fun to watch. Some notice right off, others think that I just have my hair. My parents also had the reactions I expected. My mum liked it, dad, well, dad didn't.
As for myself, I like the change. And I don't miss those darn hairballs.
So, I got home, blogged, and then decided that I was sick of having long hair. I mean, who really wants to keep cleaning hair out of the drain. Gross, I know!
So here is the picture that I took before I went and did the dirty deed.
And here is the after shot
My hair actually has grown quite a bit - I got it trimmed this last March or April. But, well, it had been quite a while since I've had super short hair, so it's been quite nice.
People's reactions have been fun to watch. Some notice right off, others think that I just have my hair. My parents also had the reactions I expected. My mum liked it, dad, well, dad didn't.
As for myself, I like the change. And I don't miss those darn hairballs.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
old friends
Today I saw two of my friends that I haven't seen for over, well, since March 2003. As I was driving to my friends house, I was contemplating whether I would regret starting the acquaintance over again - you know, how it's hard going back to places you used to live, because although you know you've changed, you imagine that no one else has changed. This happens to me every time I go to visit in Mesa. My house is there. It even looks a bit the same, but someone else lives there. I think it's quite rude! But the point of this is, what if we had all changed so much that we didn't have anything to talk about?? I would rather have the good memories of what was in that case.
But, there was no need to fear. All was well. We ate yummy food at a local restaurant and then we went back to the house and talked about everything and nothing for about an hour.
What was especially great, was that there I was talking to people who are not directly involved with music. AND, I could hold a fairly decent conversation. Success. Though, I was shocked in hearing their knowledge about football. That's not a bad thing, but there was time when they were as illiterate as I in the sport, but through marriage, they talked (to the untrained ear) quite fluently about football. For my sake, the topic wasn't covered for too long. But even that made me happy.
We've all grown up, they've both gotten married, we are facing the 'real world' but we were able to still talk, and be ourselves. Hooray for friends. I need to stop worrying about 'what ifs.' It's true, it may have been awkward, but if I had not even tried, I wouldn't have known either way. I know I've missed out on numerous opportunities because of fear. *sigh*
Enough introspection.
Two things came out of this - we've decided to meet at least monthly, under the guise of a book club. The first book is to be Shannon Hale's new book Book of a Thousand Days It's an excuse to get together, and read a book that I'd otherwise put off for a while. Also, both had cut short haircuts. My hair has gotten rather long - the last time it was cut was, well, I believe in March. One mentioned how she had tried the super short, but couldn't quite pull it off the same way. I've thought occasionally about cutting it off lately, but haven't decided wither way. But, there was one more vote for short hair again.
Lastly, I leave you with a link to really quite an amazing pumpkin.
Toodles.
But, there was no need to fear. All was well. We ate yummy food at a local restaurant and then we went back to the house and talked about everything and nothing for about an hour.
What was especially great, was that there I was talking to people who are not directly involved with music. AND, I could hold a fairly decent conversation. Success. Though, I was shocked in hearing their knowledge about football. That's not a bad thing, but there was time when they were as illiterate as I in the sport, but through marriage, they talked (to the untrained ear) quite fluently about football. For my sake, the topic wasn't covered for too long. But even that made me happy.
We've all grown up, they've both gotten married, we are facing the 'real world' but we were able to still talk, and be ourselves. Hooray for friends. I need to stop worrying about 'what ifs.' It's true, it may have been awkward, but if I had not even tried, I wouldn't have known either way. I know I've missed out on numerous opportunities because of fear. *sigh*
Enough introspection.
Two things came out of this - we've decided to meet at least monthly, under the guise of a book club. The first book is to be Shannon Hale's new book Book of a Thousand Days It's an excuse to get together, and read a book that I'd otherwise put off for a while. Also, both had cut short haircuts. My hair has gotten rather long - the last time it was cut was, well, I believe in March. One mentioned how she had tried the super short, but couldn't quite pull it off the same way. I've thought occasionally about cutting it off lately, but haven't decided wither way. But, there was one more vote for short hair again.
Lastly, I leave you with a link to really quite an amazing pumpkin.
Toodles.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
'staches 'n' stuff
As I was logging in to blogger this fine day, there was a link to a blog with daily pictures of men with 'staches. I thought of my brother, and his love for facial hair - and how he will sport the style because he likes it, disregarding the occasional smart remark (occassionally from myself :) ).
Such people are my heros - those who do what they love, even when it's not the "cool" thing to do. (Don't tell Matthew, though. We have to keep up appearances of our brother/sister rivalry.)
Shout out to my student: he is a senior in Econ, and decided to learn the oboe. He realizes that he's a beginner, but that doesn't bug him one bit. When I was a beginner with my Chem class, I gave up. I admit that. Good job him.
There are the obvious heroes - those who are in the arts, or academia. The careers that will not be so lucrative, but they have a passion for, and as such choose not to live without the thing which they love.
There are also the not so obvious heroes - Who says that someone in accounting is only there for the money. They may truly love working with numbers.
In summary, this is to all you who do what you love, and love what you do. Congratulations. You have succeeded. (And may you find a job that fufills your need!)
signing off.
Such people are my heros - those who do what they love, even when it's not the "cool" thing to do. (Don't tell Matthew, though. We have to keep up appearances of our brother/sister rivalry.)
Shout out to my student: he is a senior in Econ, and decided to learn the oboe. He realizes that he's a beginner, but that doesn't bug him one bit. When I was a beginner with my Chem class, I gave up. I admit that. Good job him.
There are the obvious heroes - those who are in the arts, or academia. The careers that will not be so lucrative, but they have a passion for, and as such choose not to live without the thing which they love.
There are also the not so obvious heroes - Who says that someone in accounting is only there for the money. They may truly love working with numbers.
In summary, this is to all you who do what you love, and love what you do. Congratulations. You have succeeded. (And may you find a job that fufills your need!)
signing off.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
coupla quizzes
***Your Dosha is Vata***
Creative and restless, you take in all of life's pleasures (maybe a little too much!).
You're quick witted and very talkative, but you also tend to have a spotty memory.
You tend to get very into ideas, people, and lifestyles... but only for a short time.
It's difficult to hold your attention, and you sometimes feel with what life has to offer.
With friends: You are very uncomfortable in new situations or with new people
In love: You fall in and out of love very easily
To achieve more balance: Live in a warm climate and spend some quiet time in nature
What's Your Dosha?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourdoshaquiz/
That's enough. I took some others while putting off sleep, but I'll spare you the results.
Creative and restless, you take in all of life's pleasures (maybe a little too much!).
You're quick witted and very talkative, but you also tend to have a spotty memory.
You tend to get very into ideas, people, and lifestyles... but only for a short time.
It's difficult to hold your attention, and you sometimes feel with what life has to offer.
With friends: You are very uncomfortable in new situations or with new people
In love: You fall in and out of love very easily
To achieve more balance: Live in a warm climate and spend some quiet time in nature
What's Your Dosha?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourdoshaquiz/
| You Could Be a Vampire... If You Had To |
 Like most people, the thought of being a vampire has crossed your mind. But you're not sure if you'd do it, even if you could. Living forever doesn't sound half bad, if you could live forever with the people you love the most. But do vampires even love? And would the vampire version of you even be you? It's all too much to contemplate. Luckily, the chances of you ever becoming a vampire are astronomically low. What you would like best about being a vampire: Living forever What you would like least about being a vampire: Blood stained teeth |
| You Are 77% Peaceful |
 You are a very peaceful person. All is good in your world, no matter what's going on. Occasionally you let your problems get to you, but you generally remain upbeat. Your inner strength is inspirational - much more so than you may realize. |
| Your Hidden Talent |
 You are both very knowledgeable and creative. You tend to be full of new ideas and potential - big potential. Ideas like yours could change the world, if you build them. As long as you don't stop working on your dreams, you'll get there. |
That's enough. I took some others while putting off sleep, but I'll spare you the results.
Friday, October 12, 2007
nostalgia
As I walked my friend to her job at the Conferences and Workshops building, I realized that the final preparations are in effect before the demolition of the final Deseret Towers.
What struck me the most was that the pool was already in the process of being destroyed. I myself never lived in DT, and from what I've heard, that is okay - but I did frequent the pool during my stints as music camp counselor. The pool experience itself is not what is important, but it was a trigger for a wonderful last summer. It had been a long time since I didn't have summer school. Instead I let my brain relax a bit; the juvenile section in the library was my summer haunt. I realize that this was an idyllic summer: the like of which I will not see for some time, I'm sure.
Seeing the pool which had represented the calm of the summer, torn up and in such disarray was symbolic: school i.e. life had begun again. There is the truth that change does not necessarily equal unease, or something similarly negative. It is simply change.
What struck me the most was that the pool was already in the process of being destroyed. I myself never lived in DT, and from what I've heard, that is okay - but I did frequent the pool during my stints as music camp counselor. The pool experience itself is not what is important, but it was a trigger for a wonderful last summer. It had been a long time since I didn't have summer school. Instead I let my brain relax a bit; the juvenile section in the library was my summer haunt. I realize that this was an idyllic summer: the like of which I will not see for some time, I'm sure.
Seeing the pool which had represented the calm of the summer, torn up and in such disarray was symbolic: school i.e. life had begun again. There is the truth that change does not necessarily equal unease, or something similarly negative. It is simply change.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
birdies and lesson learned
Inspired by Carolyn's recounting of the squirrels on her campus in OH, I decided to share a bit about the birds here at BYU.
One of my favorite activities is, now, don't judge me till you read to the end, is to mess with birdies' heads. What I do is to imitate their whistle as best as I can. What happens is the bird begins to think there is another bird of the same species nearby, and they start to look around for said bird. I don't think this is cruel - it's just keeping it on its toes.
[Random fact about birds: It may look like the birds' knees bend backwards, but really this is their ankle bone. And their feet are really toes.]
Last Thursday, Lizzy (oboist) and Tony (violinist) ended up eating lunch in the grass. It was a nice break - we were all a bit burned out due to a concert the previous evening involving a fire alarm, and finally getting a grasp on all the work there is to do this semester.
There we were enjoying ourselves, and since I was finishing up my boxed sandwich, I decided to throw a tiny piece of bread towards the cute little sparrows that were frolicking nearby. Needless to say, their cuteness turned into ferociousness. They jumped on that bread so quickly...!
Lizzy and Tony thought it was quite funny, so they added to the mayhem by occassionally throwing fritos at them. There was one little bird that was thrown something specific, but he was always just a bit too slow.
We (Lizzy and I) soon told Tony to stop, because, well, he didn't want to. He enjoyed causing contention in the Sparrow Clan. I admit that I shouldn't have started to feed the cute sparrows after all.
One of my favorite activities is, now, don't judge me till you read to the end, is to mess with birdies' heads. What I do is to imitate their whistle as best as I can. What happens is the bird begins to think there is another bird of the same species nearby, and they start to look around for said bird. I don't think this is cruel - it's just keeping it on its toes.
[Random fact about birds: It may look like the birds' knees bend backwards, but really this is their ankle bone. And their feet are really toes.]
Last Thursday, Lizzy (oboist) and Tony (violinist) ended up eating lunch in the grass. It was a nice break - we were all a bit burned out due to a concert the previous evening involving a fire alarm, and finally getting a grasp on all the work there is to do this semester.
There we were enjoying ourselves, and since I was finishing up my boxed sandwich, I decided to throw a tiny piece of bread towards the cute little sparrows that were frolicking nearby. Needless to say, their cuteness turned into ferociousness. They jumped on that bread so quickly...!
Lizzy and Tony thought it was quite funny, so they added to the mayhem by occassionally throwing fritos at them. There was one little bird that was thrown something specific, but he was always just a bit too slow.
We (Lizzy and I) soon told Tony to stop, because, well, he didn't want to. He enjoyed causing contention in the Sparrow Clan. I admit that I shouldn't have started to feed the cute sparrows after all.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
princess
Here's a fun little test:
Here are the results.
Aack, I even took it again with the other possible answers, and I ended up Cinderella once again. I guess it is meant to be. Perhaps it's a sign to stop dying my hair. hah hah.
I think that's all for today. I am tired. As so many of you all are as well.
Here are the results.
Which Disney Princess Are You? | |
 | You are Cinderella. You are hard-working and never complain, however, your trust is sometimes misplaced and people sometimes take advantage of you. Still, you are beautiful inside and out, and one day you will realize it and find true love. |
| Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com | |
Aack, I even took it again with the other possible answers, and I ended up Cinderella once again. I guess it is meant to be. Perhaps it's a sign to stop dying my hair. hah hah.
I think that's all for today. I am tired. As so many of you all are as well.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
beautiful
Today during quintet rehearsal, we played the last movement of the Maslanka, Quinte no. 2. We're not allowed to get too attached to it, because we need professorial permission before we can go ahead and schedule this for our recital, but at least for a moment, we were experiencing beautiful music.
It was a very good oboe day. I practiced the three hours, and I had a good lesson, plus orchestra, and a two hour quintet rehearsal this evening. Maybe life is good because I have a reed, that though leaning a bit flat, it is nice and vibrant and can be brought up in pitch just fine.
Those of us, which to those few who read these musings, who are in the arts field, why are you in these fields? We all know that there isn't much compensation for the blood and tears that are so often spilt. At least monetary compensation. These last few weeks have been a great learning experience. I have realized that, I could make a living doing what I love. And that to do something that you love is worth far more than any paycheck. I don't deny the necesity of making a living, but who needs extravagance, when you fill fulfilled in your job?
As well, I think in some respects, playing the oboe is starting to fall into place - i.e. I'm finally able to express and make possible the sounds that I have been hearing for a long time. Maybe someday I'll actually be a musician. Hoo-Rah.
Please don't mind the warm fuzzy-ness. I'm listening to beautiful music, and one cannot help but be / have a positive outlook on life when that is going on. At least I can't.
It was a very good oboe day. I practiced the three hours, and I had a good lesson, plus orchestra, and a two hour quintet rehearsal this evening. Maybe life is good because I have a reed, that though leaning a bit flat, it is nice and vibrant and can be brought up in pitch just fine.
Those of us, which to those few who read these musings, who are in the arts field, why are you in these fields? We all know that there isn't much compensation for the blood and tears that are so often spilt. At least monetary compensation. These last few weeks have been a great learning experience. I have realized that, I could make a living doing what I love. And that to do something that you love is worth far more than any paycheck. I don't deny the necesity of making a living, but who needs extravagance, when you fill fulfilled in your job?
As well, I think in some respects, playing the oboe is starting to fall into place - i.e. I'm finally able to express and make possible the sounds that I have been hearing for a long time. Maybe someday I'll actually be a musician. Hoo-Rah.
Please don't mind the warm fuzzy-ness. I'm listening to beautiful music, and one cannot help but be / have a positive outlook on life when that is going on. At least I can't.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
philosophies, part 1
I believe I've mentioned that I currently am taking a philosopy-esque class. It is aesthetics. We haven't focused only on music, yet. That will come later in the semester. We're currently still defining art. or is it, Art. Ah, the Art of Semantics.
We had an interesting discussion about classificatory, evaluative and derivative terms. This is coming from an essay by George Dickie. In helping to clarify the difference between the said terms, we applied the three to Latter-day Saint.
Classification: your name is on the rolls of the church
Evaluative: You are abiding by the morals of the church
Derivative: You seem to be a Mormon
In my head, I began thinking of all the fun stereotypical mormon-isms that people feel that sufficient means to being member of the Latter-day Saint faith.
The one talked of in class was clean cut. My favorite head comment was saying things such as "fudge." Feel free to add your own.
I hope that I have understood the 'derivative' idea well enough. I suppose I should re/read the article again before Friday so all makes more sense.
Although, we did attempt to define music. Dickie also suggests that (showing his bias towards the visual arts. How typical. :) ) That true art is an artifact. This is the part that needs even more clarification. Yet, I wanted to get the idea out there for those faithful few. Is music the score, or the CD? (I think these questions apply to literature as well for those not so musically inclined.) Does something need to exist for it to be music?
Needless to say, I try not to dwell too long on the thoughts posed in class, or I'd be up late every night trying to answer the unanswerable.
We had an interesting discussion about classificatory, evaluative and derivative terms. This is coming from an essay by George Dickie. In helping to clarify the difference between the said terms, we applied the three to Latter-day Saint.
Classification: your name is on the rolls of the church
Evaluative: You are abiding by the morals of the church
Derivative: You seem to be a Mormon
In my head, I began thinking of all the fun stereotypical mormon-isms that people feel that sufficient means to being member of the Latter-day Saint faith.
The one talked of in class was clean cut. My favorite head comment was saying things such as "fudge." Feel free to add your own.
I hope that I have understood the 'derivative' idea well enough. I suppose I should re/read the article again before Friday so all makes more sense.
Although, we did attempt to define music. Dickie also suggests that (showing his bias towards the visual arts. How typical. :) ) That true art is an artifact. This is the part that needs even more clarification. Yet, I wanted to get the idea out there for those faithful few. Is music the score, or the CD? (I think these questions apply to literature as well for those not so musically inclined.) Does something need to exist for it to be music?
Needless to say, I try not to dwell too long on the thoughts posed in class, or I'd be up late every night trying to answer the unanswerable.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
oh life.
So, I think people are trying to tell me things. My friend Michelle recently dedicated a song to me, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," and in catching up with venom's life, she too has this song as a theme for one of her days.
So, I guess I am to look at the bright side of life.
Usually that isn't too hard - you just change your mind, I guess, lie to yourself, and say that everything is good, which I personally believe is a good tactic. I mean, life could always be worse, right?
Who cares if you're busy, and there isn't much time to just sit for a bit. There will be little moments, here and there.
Enough about that.
Just to warn you, some of these may get somewhat philosophical because in one of my classes we are talking about definitions of art, or iff you prefer, Art. It's fairly interesting, and I think once I get used to the way the articles are written, I'll enjoy it even more. I even possibly had a possibly intelligent comment today. phew.
And, well, on the way to Christmas in Qatar, I, with my cousin Paul, am going to stop off in Rome, Italy for a couple days! I do believe I'm excited. I'll have you know I have my a list of how many classes I teach, and am checking them off after every meeting (not that I don't love teaching, I truly do - it's one of those little ways I keep myself sane) and now I can have it be a count down of sorts to the big adventure.
Paul and I also decided that we'd document this to enter the next Delta Site-Seer challenge. Couldn't you just see us hosting a globe=trotting travel show?
And here we have the 19th century blah blah blah.
Perfect!
Maybe I could be the traveling oboist - go to different cities with orchestras, and play random gigs with them at night, but during the day, seeing all that there is to see? Hmm, somehow we should work Paul into this, An oboist, and a marine biologist. I think it could work.
So, I guess I am to look at the bright side of life.
Usually that isn't too hard - you just change your mind, I guess, lie to yourself, and say that everything is good, which I personally believe is a good tactic. I mean, life could always be worse, right?
Who cares if you're busy, and there isn't much time to just sit for a bit. There will be little moments, here and there.
Enough about that.
Just to warn you, some of these may get somewhat philosophical because in one of my classes we are talking about definitions of art, or iff you prefer, Art. It's fairly interesting, and I think once I get used to the way the articles are written, I'll enjoy it even more. I even possibly had a possibly intelligent comment today. phew.
And, well, on the way to Christmas in Qatar, I, with my cousin Paul, am going to stop off in Rome, Italy for a couple days! I do believe I'm excited. I'll have you know I have my a list of how many classes I teach, and am checking them off after every meeting (not that I don't love teaching, I truly do - it's one of those little ways I keep myself sane) and now I can have it be a count down of sorts to the big adventure.
Paul and I also decided that we'd document this to enter the next Delta Site-Seer challenge. Couldn't you just see us hosting a globe=trotting travel show?
And here we have the 19th century blah blah blah.
Perfect!
Maybe I could be the traveling oboist - go to different cities with orchestras, and play random gigs with them at night, but during the day, seeing all that there is to see? Hmm, somehow we should work Paul into this, An oboist, and a marine biologist. I think it could work.
Monday, September 03, 2007
the end of all things, or is it?
Well, today is Labor Day. The last day of freedom before school and all the responsibilities that come along with school begin. I am excited to be in school again, but at the moment, it's a bit much.
Upon eating breakfeast, or perhaps, brunch, we were discussing different TV series' that will make school year more bearable. Here is my listing of shows that, somehow I have lived withough during the summer, and if something were to happen that caused them not to reappear, life would go on, but since they are returning, I'm looking forward to them:
Ugly Betty: the consummate novella with so many loose ends
House: Are they all really leaving? If not, we'd only allow Chase to return
Dr. Who: Okay, so it's not Christopher Eccleston, but I think the new guy could grow on me
Torchwood: Never seen it, but it's a Dr. Who spin-off
Psych: Come on, who really watches the US Open anyway
Monk: see above
Wishful thinking: Maybe there will be some Midsomer Murders or Poirots that I haven't seen
Side note: I've realized that I'm biased against women detectives. I'd much rather watch Poirot than Ms. Marple, and Midsomer Murders trumps Rosemary and Thyme (though I am trying)
Is this weird? Sarah helped me realize my prejudice a couple of Sundays ago. Our Sunday evening Murder Mystery watching has dwindled, namely because we've seen every episode of Midsomer Murders that has made it to the US, as far as I can tell. She likes Rosemary and Thyme, and I really am trying. I mean, it has everything one could want - great oboe-centric background music, English countrysides, murders, and flowers. But, no Scott. tee hee.
Well, I better get.
tschusy.
Upon eating breakfeast, or perhaps, brunch, we were discussing different TV series' that will make school year more bearable. Here is my listing of shows that, somehow I have lived withough during the summer, and if something were to happen that caused them not to reappear, life would go on, but since they are returning, I'm looking forward to them:
Ugly Betty: the consummate novella with so many loose ends
House: Are they all really leaving? If not, we'd only allow Chase to return
Dr. Who: Okay, so it's not Christopher Eccleston, but I think the new guy could grow on me
Torchwood: Never seen it, but it's a Dr. Who spin-off
Psych: Come on, who really watches the US Open anyway
Monk: see above
Wishful thinking: Maybe there will be some Midsomer Murders or Poirots that I haven't seen
Side note: I've realized that I'm biased against women detectives. I'd much rather watch Poirot than Ms. Marple, and Midsomer Murders trumps Rosemary and Thyme (though I am trying)
Is this weird? Sarah helped me realize my prejudice a couple of Sundays ago. Our Sunday evening Murder Mystery watching has dwindled, namely because we've seen every episode of Midsomer Murders that has made it to the US, as far as I can tell. She likes Rosemary and Thyme, and I really am trying. I mean, it has everything one could want - great oboe-centric background music, English countrysides, murders, and flowers. But, no Scott. tee hee.
Well, I better get.
tschusy.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
so sad
Whitey, my white fish died. He was fine in the morning - this is Sunday - and then that evening he was swimming a little lopsidedly, and then, he just kinda sank. sniff. I did get his dead body out of the tank fairly quickly, at least.
Blacky seems to be doing fine. I deep down hold him responsible for Whitey's death. Blacky was always a bit bossy/pushy when it came to feeding.
The only other mystery is where my other sucker fish has gone. I've only been able to see one recently. It's not as if, even if it died, his body would disappear! And I can't see it in the filter. Alas. I think this is my last attempt at fishies.
What else....
Oh, update - Provo has now commenced their random bit of construction right before school starts. So folks, Fall Semester has arrived. This year it's a bit farther south, at the intersection of State and 9th East. Joy!
I think that is all for now.
Shalom. ;)
Blacky seems to be doing fine. I deep down hold him responsible for Whitey's death. Blacky was always a bit bossy/pushy when it came to feeding.
The only other mystery is where my other sucker fish has gone. I've only been able to see one recently. It's not as if, even if it died, his body would disappear! And I can't see it in the filter. Alas. I think this is my last attempt at fishies.
What else....
Oh, update - Provo has now commenced their random bit of construction right before school starts. So folks, Fall Semester has arrived. This year it's a bit farther south, at the intersection of State and 9th East. Joy!
I think that is all for now.
Shalom. ;)
Saturday, August 25, 2007
beauty
I don't know why, but the posting options are limited whenever I try to post from home. i.e. there isn't a place to make links look nicely. I'll edit that when I get to work I guess.
Well, I hope for now I'm done with wee bit serious posts. I was just quite frustrated with Hollywood lately, and there may be a similar rant - though I know I didn't fully explain myself in the last, it was taking too much time - when "The Seeker: Dark is Rising" is released. Oh well. Just say I didn't warn you.
But today I only wanted to share this wonderful little clip my mum shared with me.
I dare you to not let it make your day a wee bit happier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed9F4G5d8Qw
Oh, what a wonderdful world.
Last night I was walking across BYU's campus, all the way from the Maeser building.
It was a beautiful moment. The air was that last, not too warm temp that happens just before fall, the sky was beautiful... the world was at peace. Perhaps my reading of the Anne of Green Gables series is affecting me, but if it is, I say it's quite all right.
Well, I hope for now I'm done with wee bit serious posts. I was just quite frustrated with Hollywood lately, and there may be a similar rant - though I know I didn't fully explain myself in the last, it was taking too much time - when "The Seeker: Dark is Rising" is released. Oh well. Just say I didn't warn you.
But today I only wanted to share this wonderful little clip my mum shared with me.
I dare you to not let it make your day a wee bit happier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed9F4G5d8Qw
Oh, what a wonderdful world.
Last night I was walking across BYU's campus, all the way from the Maeser building.
It was a beautiful moment. The air was that last, not too warm temp that happens just before fall, the sky was beautiful... the world was at peace. Perhaps my reading of the Anne of Green Gables series is affecting me, but if it is, I say it's quite all right.
Monday, August 20, 2007
ode to hollywood
Why in the world does Hollywood feel the need to make things bigger, with the idea that that makes then better? Last week I saw the movie Stardust. I enjoyed the book (with some reservations) but decided that I wanted to see the movie to see how the adaptation of the book went along. There were, of course, various plot modifications throughout the beginning. They weren't quite as drastic as Arwen taking the place of Glorfindel in calling upon the River, or the Elves deciding to come one last time to help the world of men.... And some actually made it less of a moral dilemma when wondering whether to recommend the movie to friends. Others were actually fairly enjoyable.
But, where the falling action of the plot ended, and the denoument should have begun, that is where we have the problems.
Spoiler Alert! In the book, a number of prophesies/rules are given. One regarding the slavery of Una, the princess of Stormhold, and also about the heart of the Star. Hmm... this could be difficult to explain the ending without explaining the beginning. (If you know the plot, you may skip to nearer the end.) I explained the plot to my coworkers the day after I read the book - it made sense, sort of. Well, here is my attempt:
There are four stories that are intwertwined throughout the graphic novel. Firstly, of the Village of Wall, the Princes of Stormhold, the three witch sisters, and a witch and her slave girl.
To begin, Wall. In the Village, there is a wall. And there is a hole in the wall that no one is allowed to cross. Except for every nine years when a fair comes to the meadow just outside the hole in the wall. Enter Dunstan Thorn. A proper English young man. He boards two people from the other side of Wall, a tall gentleman who promises that his and his son's (him not having a son yet) greatest desire will be fulfilled, and a strange furry little fellow. The next day he goes to the fair, long story short, meets the slave girl at a stall, gets a glass flower, and because of a romantic liason, ends up with a baby in a basket. Oh, and his name is Trist-R-an. Not Tristan. Anyhoo, between the liason and the arrival of the baby, Dunstan is married off to a local girl he had been courting, and things seem to be fine.
Tristran, true to form has fallen in love with Victoria, the most beautiful girl in the village. One night, while trying to court he promises her many things, and then, after seeing a shooting star, promises to bring it back to her in exchange for her doing what he asks. She agrees, believing that he would never actually act upon this foolishness.
Well, Tristran does. And his father, when (my memory of this is a bit fuzzy) tells the truth of his origins, takes him to the hole in the wall, and the sentries allow him to pass. As a parting gift, the father gives him the glass flower.
Tristran first meets the furry fellow. He takes care of Tristran, giving him a Babylon candle which is a method of traveling. The furry fellow has a strange tatoo making him a member of some underground society. This comes into play later, though I didn't catch this until the later. Oh well.
Tristran uses the candle to get to the crater with the candle, and discovers Yvaine who had been knocked out of the sky by a necklace. Her leg broke during the fall, and she somehow has this stupid ruby necklace. Tristran had some of that magic silver chain, and captured her, and they start the journey back.
Necklace: The kingdom of Stormhold's manner of succession is different than most - it is the last surviving male becomes the next King. The current king is on his deathbed, and calls his remaining four sons to him. They must kill each other off, but, he adds a final twist - the ruby necklace that declares to the world that they are the king...well, he takes it off and chucks it. Frankly, he is disgusted that his sons haven't managed to kill off each other by now. One of the sons is killed during the death bed scene, leaving only Primus, Tertius and Septimus. There were originally seven sons, and one daughter, who disappeared many years ago. So, after their father's death, they start off together in their hunt, never eating nor drinking anything they haven't prepared themselves.
Witches: There are three witch sisters who are very old, and don't like the way being old makes them look. If only they had the heart of a star - that would make them young again. Oh, wait, a star just fell from the sky. The heart was best if it was a happy heart, but if the heart belonged to another, it did them no good. So, the head witch begins the hunt, turning a girl into a goat to pull her along.
Ditchwater Sal and slave girl: the girl was to be a slave until the moon loses one of her daughters in a week when two Mondays are joined, or something impossible like that.
Okay, Yvaine (the star) and Tristran start walking back. They encounter a unicorn and lion fighting, and there are a bunch of nursery rhymes that he remembers...this one ends with the lion being declared king of the forest, and taking the crown after winning the fight. Yvaine is crying because the unicorn is being beaten and tell Tristran to stop the fight. So, he takes the crown to the lion, and he leaves. Hooray. Random sideplot, but there now is a unicorn friend who can carry Yvaine. Eventually he carries them both and they go pretty fast.
Tertius is killed off after drinking wine provided by a maid during a romantic liason, that was given to the maid by Septimus. Two brothers, now. Septimus on horseback, Primus in the carriage.
Lamia the witch meets Ditchwater Sal and the slave girl. Sal makes Lamia tell the truth of her quest through some herb while sharing dinner, and learns of the Star. Being angry at being tricked, she curses Sal to not recognise the presence of the Star ever.
Tristran needs to get food, but Yvaine is not hungry. He makes her promise not to run off, and then he releases her from the silver chain. Well, when he gets back, she and the unicorn are gone. He falls asleep under a tree, but then the tree wakes him up, and tells him she is headed to trouble. He is instructed to run to the road, for there is a carriage coming, and is given a leaf that will give him advice when he most needs it. Running to the road, he meets Primus and they join together.
Meanwhile, the witch has made a hotel of sorts, and Yvaine has stopped there. Lamia is treating Yvaine quite well inorder to make the star's heart as happy as possible. Primus and Tristran soon are there as well, with Primus entering the building, and Tristran helping to stable the horses. He is brought out a drink, but the unicorn stops him from drinking it because it is poison. So, with this he realizes there is danger and goes to warn Primus. Well, Primus gets his throat slit. The unicorn attacks the witch and gets his head cut off. Tristran listens to the leaf, grabs hold of Yvaine, and holding the stub of Babylon candle, thrusts it into the fire, and they barely escape the wrath of Lamia.
They end up in clouds. They are rescued by lightning catching sky sailors, who's captain is a member of the same order as the little furry guy. They are taken care of, and Yvaine's leg mends, and Tristran's poor burnt hand is tended to. They are then dropped off at a tree dock, and they head off towards Wall.
Well, Septimus, momentarily being thrown off Primus' trail from a ruse, eventually finds his body, and is angry. If he had killed him, all would have been well, but since he had been murdered by an outsider, he was now duty bound to avenge his brother's killer. So he's now after the witch, who is after the Star. All now are headed towards Wall.
Tristran and the Star meet up with Sal, and in exchange for the glass flower, Sal provides safe passage to Wall, changing him into a mouse for the trip. She has no idea Yvaine is there because of the curse.
The witch sets up a little hut near Wall and is questioning all those who pass. Septimus finds her, and tries to kill her, and is killed in the process, thus all the seven sons are dead.
Sal passes the witches hut, but can truthfully tell her because of the curse that she knows nothing of the Star, and neither is Tristran in danger because he is a mouse. Thus, they safely arrive in Wall.
At petitioning the guards at the hole, Tristran is not allowed through that evening, so he helps set up booths at the fair. In the morning he leaves Yvaine to find his family, and the lovely Victoria. He learns that Victoria was not able to kiss him, not promise him anything because she had become engaged to the grocer, Mr. Monday. She was in a state of panic - she had sent Tristran to his death, but if he did come back, well, she would have to marry him. Well, Tristran reminded her that she didn't promise him marriage, but that he would do what he wished. He then wished her to be happily married.
Almost there.
He has a happy reunion with his family, where he says farewell to them forever. He then passes through the wall, and he and Yvaine acknowledge their love for one another. Well, the witch catches up with Yvaine, and though she is unprotected, her heart now belongs to Tristran, so it is no good to the witch. And, as Victoria and Mr. Monday are joined, the slave girl is freed. She, of course, is the long lost sister, Princess of Stormhold, and thus Tristran is the heir to the kingdom.
There we have had the climax, and the falling action and the end of the plot. The ending is different from the movie, because they try too hard to make it exciting. Usually my favorite parts of books are the nice little denouments at the end. Stardust is no exception.
Well, Tristran really does not want to be king. So, he and mum compromise: He and Yvaine will travel to Stormhold in their own time while she will be the interim leader person. They arrive in Stormhold three years later, and find mum to be doing a good job. Well, since she's doing such a great job, they leave a note (at Yvaine's insistence) saying they are to travel a bit more, and finally arrive back at the capital in rags, to accept their roles.
They are good rulers. He dies, and Yvaine leads on in his death.
Because it took so long to explain the story, it's hard to explain what is so different from the movie. But, I'll try: the movie must have an inferiority complex. My brother once said Canadians must have an inferiority complex because they have to have all the biggest things (i.e. yarn ball, truck, etc. - he lived there for a while, so he can say that.) Well, it's almost as if they didn't believe in the story, or believe that we could accept the simpleness of the ending. Heaven forbid there wasn't pages of sword fighting!
Hollywood, we are not idiots!
But, where the falling action of the plot ended, and the denoument should have begun, that is where we have the problems.
Spoiler Alert! In the book, a number of prophesies/rules are given. One regarding the slavery of Una, the princess of Stormhold, and also about the heart of the Star. Hmm... this could be difficult to explain the ending without explaining the beginning. (If you know the plot, you may skip to nearer the end.) I explained the plot to my coworkers the day after I read the book - it made sense, sort of. Well, here is my attempt:
There are four stories that are intwertwined throughout the graphic novel. Firstly, of the Village of Wall, the Princes of Stormhold, the three witch sisters, and a witch and her slave girl.
To begin, Wall. In the Village, there is a wall. And there is a hole in the wall that no one is allowed to cross. Except for every nine years when a fair comes to the meadow just outside the hole in the wall. Enter Dunstan Thorn. A proper English young man. He boards two people from the other side of Wall, a tall gentleman who promises that his and his son's (him not having a son yet) greatest desire will be fulfilled, and a strange furry little fellow. The next day he goes to the fair, long story short, meets the slave girl at a stall, gets a glass flower, and because of a romantic liason, ends up with a baby in a basket. Oh, and his name is Trist-R-an. Not Tristan. Anyhoo, between the liason and the arrival of the baby, Dunstan is married off to a local girl he had been courting, and things seem to be fine.
Tristran, true to form has fallen in love with Victoria, the most beautiful girl in the village. One night, while trying to court he promises her many things, and then, after seeing a shooting star, promises to bring it back to her in exchange for her doing what he asks. She agrees, believing that he would never actually act upon this foolishness.
Well, Tristran does. And his father, when (my memory of this is a bit fuzzy) tells the truth of his origins, takes him to the hole in the wall, and the sentries allow him to pass. As a parting gift, the father gives him the glass flower.
Tristran first meets the furry fellow. He takes care of Tristran, giving him a Babylon candle which is a method of traveling. The furry fellow has a strange tatoo making him a member of some underground society. This comes into play later, though I didn't catch this until the later. Oh well.
Tristran uses the candle to get to the crater with the candle, and discovers Yvaine who had been knocked out of the sky by a necklace. Her leg broke during the fall, and she somehow has this stupid ruby necklace. Tristran had some of that magic silver chain, and captured her, and they start the journey back.
Necklace: The kingdom of Stormhold's manner of succession is different than most - it is the last surviving male becomes the next King. The current king is on his deathbed, and calls his remaining four sons to him. They must kill each other off, but, he adds a final twist - the ruby necklace that declares to the world that they are the king...well, he takes it off and chucks it. Frankly, he is disgusted that his sons haven't managed to kill off each other by now. One of the sons is killed during the death bed scene, leaving only Primus, Tertius and Septimus. There were originally seven sons, and one daughter, who disappeared many years ago. So, after their father's death, they start off together in their hunt, never eating nor drinking anything they haven't prepared themselves.
Witches: There are three witch sisters who are very old, and don't like the way being old makes them look. If only they had the heart of a star - that would make them young again. Oh, wait, a star just fell from the sky. The heart was best if it was a happy heart, but if the heart belonged to another, it did them no good. So, the head witch begins the hunt, turning a girl into a goat to pull her along.
Ditchwater Sal and slave girl: the girl was to be a slave until the moon loses one of her daughters in a week when two Mondays are joined, or something impossible like that.
Okay, Yvaine (the star) and Tristran start walking back. They encounter a unicorn and lion fighting, and there are a bunch of nursery rhymes that he remembers...this one ends with the lion being declared king of the forest, and taking the crown after winning the fight. Yvaine is crying because the unicorn is being beaten and tell Tristran to stop the fight. So, he takes the crown to the lion, and he leaves. Hooray. Random sideplot, but there now is a unicorn friend who can carry Yvaine. Eventually he carries them both and they go pretty fast.
Tertius is killed off after drinking wine provided by a maid during a romantic liason, that was given to the maid by Septimus. Two brothers, now. Septimus on horseback, Primus in the carriage.
Lamia the witch meets Ditchwater Sal and the slave girl. Sal makes Lamia tell the truth of her quest through some herb while sharing dinner, and learns of the Star. Being angry at being tricked, she curses Sal to not recognise the presence of the Star ever.
Tristran needs to get food, but Yvaine is not hungry. He makes her promise not to run off, and then he releases her from the silver chain. Well, when he gets back, she and the unicorn are gone. He falls asleep under a tree, but then the tree wakes him up, and tells him she is headed to trouble. He is instructed to run to the road, for there is a carriage coming, and is given a leaf that will give him advice when he most needs it. Running to the road, he meets Primus and they join together.
Meanwhile, the witch has made a hotel of sorts, and Yvaine has stopped there. Lamia is treating Yvaine quite well inorder to make the star's heart as happy as possible. Primus and Tristran soon are there as well, with Primus entering the building, and Tristran helping to stable the horses. He is brought out a drink, but the unicorn stops him from drinking it because it is poison. So, with this he realizes there is danger and goes to warn Primus. Well, Primus gets his throat slit. The unicorn attacks the witch and gets his head cut off. Tristran listens to the leaf, grabs hold of Yvaine, and holding the stub of Babylon candle, thrusts it into the fire, and they barely escape the wrath of Lamia.
They end up in clouds. They are rescued by lightning catching sky sailors, who's captain is a member of the same order as the little furry guy. They are taken care of, and Yvaine's leg mends, and Tristran's poor burnt hand is tended to. They are then dropped off at a tree dock, and they head off towards Wall.
Well, Septimus, momentarily being thrown off Primus' trail from a ruse, eventually finds his body, and is angry. If he had killed him, all would have been well, but since he had been murdered by an outsider, he was now duty bound to avenge his brother's killer. So he's now after the witch, who is after the Star. All now are headed towards Wall.
Tristran and the Star meet up with Sal, and in exchange for the glass flower, Sal provides safe passage to Wall, changing him into a mouse for the trip. She has no idea Yvaine is there because of the curse.
The witch sets up a little hut near Wall and is questioning all those who pass. Septimus finds her, and tries to kill her, and is killed in the process, thus all the seven sons are dead.
Sal passes the witches hut, but can truthfully tell her because of the curse that she knows nothing of the Star, and neither is Tristran in danger because he is a mouse. Thus, they safely arrive in Wall.
At petitioning the guards at the hole, Tristran is not allowed through that evening, so he helps set up booths at the fair. In the morning he leaves Yvaine to find his family, and the lovely Victoria. He learns that Victoria was not able to kiss him, not promise him anything because she had become engaged to the grocer, Mr. Monday. She was in a state of panic - she had sent Tristran to his death, but if he did come back, well, she would have to marry him. Well, Tristran reminded her that she didn't promise him marriage, but that he would do what he wished. He then wished her to be happily married.
Almost there.
He has a happy reunion with his family, where he says farewell to them forever. He then passes through the wall, and he and Yvaine acknowledge their love for one another. Well, the witch catches up with Yvaine, and though she is unprotected, her heart now belongs to Tristran, so it is no good to the witch. And, as Victoria and Mr. Monday are joined, the slave girl is freed. She, of course, is the long lost sister, Princess of Stormhold, and thus Tristran is the heir to the kingdom.
There we have had the climax, and the falling action and the end of the plot. The ending is different from the movie, because they try too hard to make it exciting. Usually my favorite parts of books are the nice little denouments at the end. Stardust is no exception.
Well, Tristran really does not want to be king. So, he and mum compromise: He and Yvaine will travel to Stormhold in their own time while she will be the interim leader person. They arrive in Stormhold three years later, and find mum to be doing a good job. Well, since she's doing such a great job, they leave a note (at Yvaine's insistence) saying they are to travel a bit more, and finally arrive back at the capital in rags, to accept their roles.
They are good rulers. He dies, and Yvaine leads on in his death.
Because it took so long to explain the story, it's hard to explain what is so different from the movie. But, I'll try: the movie must have an inferiority complex. My brother once said Canadians must have an inferiority complex because they have to have all the biggest things (i.e. yarn ball, truck, etc. - he lived there for a while, so he can say that.) Well, it's almost as if they didn't believe in the story, or believe that we could accept the simpleness of the ending. Heaven forbid there wasn't pages of sword fighting!
Hollywood, we are not idiots!
Friday, August 10, 2007
catching up
Well, it has been over a week since I last posted. This week has consisted of buying, staining and varnishing a new book case, which I am now in the process of filling. I'll actually have empty space in my bookcases. Amazing! This also required a rearrangement of my room because they lied on the measurements - well, possibly because I forgot to add in the measurements of the side posts. Oh well. Things still fit in the room. By the way, the color of the bookcase, ORANGE. Hoorah.
Today I awoke to my phone telling me I had a text message: Auntie Marki sent one saying that President Faust had passed away. That was saddening. He was/is a good man, who will be greatly missed. My sympathies to his wife and family. I vaguely something about him saying how he never kissed his wife to be until they were engaged, and how he regretted that. (Probably a CES Fireside.)
As I finally am going through and reading bloggies, I realized that I have been tagged to answer random facts about my life. As I do this, the only person, besides the tagee that I can tag would be Sarah of LambCurryandRice fame. So, there it is. Now, the listing:
Jobs I've Held
Oboe Teacher
Oboe TA
SightSinging Instructor
Accounting Clerk
Bakery
Movies I Can Watch Over and Over
Pride & Prejudice
Persuasion
I've ripped these to iTunes :)
Places I have Lived
Mapleton and Provo UT
Mesa, AZ
Bradenton, Tampa and Winter Haven, FL
Shows I Enjoy
Ugly Betty
Monk
Psych
Midsomer Murders, Poirot
the search for an Ugly Betty summer replacement has been difficult to say the least. Army Wives was a failed attempt, but Side Order of Life may be okay. We'll see.
Places I've been on Vacation
Most every state in the US
Brief trip to Canada (ie 10 minutes) via Niagara Falls
Planned trip to visit Parents, and Europe with cousin Paul
Favorite Foods
Cheese
Cereal
Bread - without stuff, ie nuts, etc.
pasta
not TOO picky. :)
Websites I Visit (Almost) Daily
Bank Statements
Amazon
BYU
Bloggies
Body Parts I Have Injured
Elbow
Line Drive to the Thigh
Elder/Sister collision in Volleyball resulting in similar bruise on same thigh
(He was to be the new AP the next transfer. Such scandals! tee hee. It wouldn't of happened if he hadn't felt the need to cover my area! Oh well. Got a cool picture from it.)
Cool Bruise to the hand from playing Ultimate. Unfortunately the picture didn't turn out.
Nicknames I have Been Called
SallySue
Buglette
Toadette
pooface
heidi-ho
etc
TAG
anyone who reads this, who hasn't already done it.
Ah yes, I took the Jane Austen heroine quiz, and quickly was able to discern which line was for which heroine, and then wasn't sure if I was answering the questions truthfully, or if I was answering them by who I wanted to be, so I gave up. Ah well. They're all good.
Lastly, last night at enrichment, we made necklaces, and planner/notebook things. I shall use my notebook as a blog journal so I will never forget an exciting idea for you, my dear readers.
And now, a quote from my new blog idea journal thing: it takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. e.e. cummings
me
Thursday, August 02, 2007
update
Well, I've decided to change the look already, and I can't promise it will be the last time. I decided that, well, just because I love orange, the entirety does not have to be orange. That's all.
I'm also learning how to use different things in the blog. Quite exciting. In other words, a work in progress. Apologies for the stretched picture. That is not my fault. And, credit goes to the movie cover of Heidi for the picture.
chau-cito.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
where's the line?
So, one, I feel quite special for having comments on my last post. wow! But, now to the point.
In the spirit of, one should read the book a movie is based on, before going to see the movie, and how the director's 'vision' ruins the book, I checked out and read Stardust. It is a graphic novel - i.e. comic book for grown-ups. Though I am hesitant to fully recommend the book due to two quite racy incidents, and pictures to go along, the story was inventive, complicated and fun.
However, I was a bit dismayed that the book was in the juvenile section. I mean, the book did not offend me, though it was verging on the way too graphic of description, I'm not sure how I feel about some unsuspecting kid getting the book to read because they liked the movie, and having quite a surprise. And parents getting to explain things because of this surprise.
My freshman year I wrote my English paper on whether Harry Potter was acceptable for children. I didn't come to a fail-safe yes/no answer. In the end, the answer to the thesis question was yes, with the idea that the parents were supervising.
Unfortunately, this isn't always an option. Not all parents are paying attention to what their children are reading.
I remember two instances where my mom censored something: some romance novel a friend had lent her, and she was even embarrassed that she had, and Schindler's List. At the time, I was a bit miffed, especially in regards to the movie. (I was miffed about the book, because, well, I like to read anything and everything.) But looking back, I was 14. Sure, I'd read Number The Stars, Devil's Arithmetic, etc. so I'd known about the Holocaust, but I think she felt that I didn't need to have a first hand look. I'm grateful - especially after having experienced the Holocaust Museum in DC this summer. Some things, though they are truth, can be too much, especially for children.
So, back to the question: where is the line?
Should a graphic portrayal of sex (in words and pictures) be available to children? (And remember, this is nothing about censorship - just availability to children - and yes, a child could easily get it from another section of the library.... Just posing questions here.)
So that's all.
Monday, July 30, 2007
hullo.
So, I've decided to join the Frau and friends, and give myself something to do as well.
As I was trying to come up with a name, I was reminded of a favorite book of mine, Heidi, and how she loves her grandpa, and frolics with goats in the mountain. I mean, honestly, what better way to spend the day. And just to make sure 'the little goat herder' was safe, I googled it, and all that came up were ebay sales for Hummel figurines. >>http://www.google.com/search?q=little+goat+herder&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7RNWO<<, which should be a subject for a later post.
So anyhoo, welcome one and all.
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