Turning the Page!

Another year is upon us.
It is AMAZING how much can happen w/in a year.
Last year i had a hot boyfriend, a pretty good contract job for a recent graduate, and was living with my parents in Michigan.

Now, I am living up the single life, a grad student at UT, living in Austin, TX.
Many lessons have been learned and many have yet to be understood, but hey - i made it another year, dear!

This year, I hope to be more consistent in my Yoga practice.  I was doing good until, the move in August and then it went by the wayside.  That probably had something to do with the insane stress level I experienced these last few months of the year!

I also hope to find some Italian language lessons to take.  After being away from Italy for almost two years now, it seems my language skills have gone from conversational to non-existent. And that must be remedied if i am ever to retire in my own Tuscan Villa or Lagoon-front Venetian mansion.

I'd also like to give back in some sort of way.  Still looking into the most effective options.  

Last year, I made an intention for more patience and a better grasp on inner peace/serenity. I think i did really well with the patience intention.  I learned this year that stuff will NOT always go your way. but you have to "just go with it".  You cannot rush things or control them, so you might as well go with the pace you've been set at for whatever task you want to make happen.

Ya, the inner peace thing - that's just gonna have to continue into this year.  But I think that is also something one has to learn over a lifetime, not just one short year.

This year has been yet again one filled with health & happiness in my family and i am truly blessed for these two gifts.  Without my family, i don't know what i'd do.

And finally, I learned that men are stupid. And they like big boobs.

My favorite albums of 2010 included (not all were new releases):
Joanna Newsom - Have One On Me
Harlem - "Hippies"
Colleen Green – Milo Goes To Compton
Sade - Soldier of Love
Real Estate - Real Estate
Natural Child - Body Switchers
The Octopus Project - HexadecagonDeerhunter - Halcyon Digest
Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Before Today
Dum Dum Girls - I Will BeArcade Fire - The Suburbs
Portishead - Portishead

what does 2011 have in store? one can only dream...

Merry Christmas to all, in 2.0 style!!!

Here is some digital cheer!

Hope everyone's holidays will be awesome!

And if it isn't snowing for you over the holidays, like it DEFINITELY is here in Michigan, check out some of these beautiful snow shots from around the world. They actually make me hate snow a little less!!!

The Liberal Arts Meet the Data Revolution

i got this in the list serv today:

"This is the first in a series of articles about how digital tools are
changing scholarship in history, literature and the arts.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/17/arts/17digital.html?_r=1

"In Mr. Scheinfeldt’s view academia has moved into “a post-theoretical
age.” This “methodological moment,” he said, is similar to the late
19th and early 20th centuries, when scholars were preoccupied with
collating and cataloging the flood of information brought about by
revolutions in communication, transportation and science."

If the NY Times is right, the future for our profession should be bright."

RIGHT ON.
Also, the other day in Book Arts, we talked about how Kelmscott Manor was flooded this past summer and how they need Conservators. Sweetest job ever!
I love getting this Masters because it allows you to be focused and broad in your intellectual and career ambitions AT THE SAME TIME.

A-to the - MAZING, people!

Photo Archive

Interesting project by a dude outta Chicago.

Pairs art w/ archives....one of my fave combos.

Slowly but Surely (w/ a sprinkle of inspiration)

Hey there,


Haven't written, mostly b/c grad school is like this.


but besides the Valium, gin and spite - i still love what i am learning about!!! as sleep deprived as it may be at times.

Here is a great article about Fashion and Archivists. Beautiful.
The second article deals w/ the Warner Music Archives. Fascinating.

I finished processing my very first Archival collection today, which i started this past September!!! What a great feeling....

Next semester I am taking Audio Preservation and Reformatting.  VERY excited to have the opportunity to take this class. 

My final  exhibition for Rare books is focusing on books about rogues, vagrants, buccaneers and the marginal types of 16th-19th century England and America. Pretty excited about it, will keep you updated on final outcome.  The marginal people of society are always the most interesting and mysterious.

My literature review I am writing is about Digital Music Libraries.  I wanna get it published. we shall see...


I went to a very informative and inspirational Summer Internship panel at my school the other night.  Tips and advice given were invaluable.  I will be internship hunting over my long ass Christmas break. I'm gonna shoot for a prestigious DC internship, but if those prove unsuccessful I'm going to Austinite it up or possibly even MI it up again.  Never thought I'd ever use that as an option ever again.  It's my third option, but hey. 

Love y'all and see ya over Christmas!

Class of 2000 - i salute you.

Friday night AND Saturday were super eventful.

Friday night i got all dolled up, took the wrong bus, watch drunk frat boys get kicked off by the police from the bus, got on another bus, and finally got to the Opening of the Visual Arts Center on campus.  It is a brand new space for art and tremendously talented student and non-UT student art.  Tons of little spaces next to huge open ones.  i think the set up make a truly fluid walk thru for the beholder.

After than i went out w/  a co-worker to the Ghost Room.  I met a guy who knew the band.  His name was Waldo.  I then asked what the bass players name was, but Waldo refused to tell me and all he kept doing was giving me his number in lieu of truthfulness.  I later found out - his name was Lamar.

After that we went to Lovejoy's.  One of my absolute FAVorite bars in Austin.  I think it is the wild hipster gypsy vibe that i like about it.  Or maybe the really good local beer.  As much as Austinite are prideful of their "weird" unique qualities, I've yet to find a microbrew I like as much as the ones back home.  I suspect there are some really good ones in New Braunfels, but i have not car so that will be for another time.

Saturday i went to a study group at a cafe in SoCo (South Congress). We met at a cafe, so i didn't think much partying would ensue. But my, how i was wrong!!! the night had only begun.  

Congress is similar to Woodward.  It runs very far and tons of amazing things are located around it.  Congress stretches from the Capital (go figure) in the North to all the way past Lady Bird Lake in the south. The citizens of SoCo are yuppies, Boys' town social lites, the "original" hippies and hipsters.  More hipsters live on the East side than anywhere else right now due to gentrification of that area.    SoCo is filled with fun boutiques and quirky endearing bars.  There was also this fun outdoor plot with a good cover band we listened to. After SoCo, are group seemed to udergo a diaspora all over SoCo.  Some people left to go home and sleep (yes, the bad effects of grad school), others went to study (another side effect).  of course it was a Saturday night so i couldn't go back to my apartment. 

After SoCo-ing around, me and my two hot MLIS buddies went Downtown.  We all agreed that 4th street would be a good start.  4th street is far less "college-y" and mostly hot people who are not in college. I saw "The Belmont" across the street.  I've walked past it before.  Great place, kind of retro w/ and open top, garden surrounded entrance.  It's like the solarium in the movie Sabrina.  Does that help?

We got in and i immediately headed for the rooftop. Uh-oh.  A sign, "Closed event, no entrance." I proceeded up the stairs.  Looking around everyone had name tags on and no one had stopped me.  I saw a name tag on a nearby table.  Written on it in black sharpie was "Elizabeth".  Well whomever Elizabeth was, she wasn't here so I decided to be her for the next hour.

Turns out we were at a high school reunion! Class of 2000 - rock on. I'm glad to say Elizabeth got free booze, food and numbers.  Elizabeth had a great time at her high school reunion.  And to think she is 28!! still looking young.....

After crashing we went to find a Communist themed bar, Molotov.  it was a little farther than we thought.  heh.  So when we got there and there was this huge line, i had to get in somehow!!!  Couldn't walk away that easy.  So i ran across the street, walked up to the doorman, said will you let us in in my sweetest tone and get this - HE DID. i mean it prolly helped that some VIP guy was in front of me and continuously pointed at us, but hey. we got in!!! 

The whole night reaffirmed the idea to me that you are whoever you say you are.  If you can walk the talk then i guess rules do not apply. :)  how fun.

A True Cyclist

I’ve become a true Austinite Cyclist. I was honked at, rode on the actual road w/ my bike - not the side walk and ... My bike was stolen. I am now a true Austin Cyclist !!!

This past weekend my bike was stolen. I was far more pissed than surprised.  Some of it was my fault, I’ll admit, but I didn’t think the bandits would go to the lengths of SAWING off two of the railings next to my precious $250 bike to take it away from me forever. Bike theft is a big problem here. Everyone needs and wants bikes!!!   looks like i should think about different lockup locales....

The irony is that I was planning on going to an Art Landmark Bike tour the next day and found my bike was stolen while on my way to borrow a helmet for said tour de Austin.  I was looking forward to 6 miles of biking w/ a docent and looking at beautiful things that cover the city.   My friend Eric offered to let me borrow his helmet.  Descending down the stairway, I saw my front bike tire and “trusty” U-Lock attached to the sawed off railing. I mean, at least the little darling was sweet enough to leave me my front tire. THAT WAS CONSIDERATE. 

It sucks when someone does something mean and they don’t even know you!!!

As one of my friends recently told me –“ it’s okay cuz no one can steal your feet!” Lol.  The transportation isn’t bad here so I shall be a nomadic bus and foot wanderer until I find a new (cheap) bike. 

Last week was crazy fun!  I saw a cult screening  of “Serenity” on Saturday w/ a sexy dude.

   Monday I went to a Local Literati fiction/poetry reading, met some great writers.  Wednesday I went w/ new friends to participate in a 90s sing-along at the famous Alamo Drafthouse.  At one point I was moshing on the theatre stage w/ pom-pons in my hand belting out, “a mosquito, my libido”.

Also – “Glycerine” is a great video and song, but what a BUZZ kill.  They redeemed themselves w/ “No Rain” by Blind Melon.  The Alamo shows awesome movies from every genre.  Every seat has a bar top and personal server who comes bringing you booze and food at all the right times. 

 

Thursday I went out and saw a new local singer/songwriter and drank a healthy amount of whiskey!!! :)

This past Friday I went to two bars, The PourHouse and LaLa’s.  I think LaLa’s was my fave.  It is an amazing dive bar (beer is only served in cans) that is Christmas themed.  Lights, trees, the works.  Even the ceiling is a winter wonderland paint job.  The Juke Box plays 40-70s non-Christmas music. Anything from Dean Martin to Al Green.  I chose “Love & Happiness” as the dance floor opener.  

Last night I went to a SAA Chapter Potluck and won the Raffle.  I got a bumper sticker which reads, “Archivists make it last longer!!!” As soon as I get a new bike, I’m going to have to incorporate this sticker.

In Academic news, I am volunteering at a campus American History center.  As of now, I am archiving a collection dealing w/ the personal belongings of a famous 1960s civil rights activist/student of UT.  After University, he became a successful writer of many genres.  I keep on finding notes and poems he wrote to himself that have never seen the light of day till now.  Rummaging through a complete stranger’s personal records is fascinating.  You have the most intimate look inside a person’s life, and sometimes you get a glimpse of the soul.  Holding these artifacts is the ultimate proof that this person was there and made an impact however profound or not.  

 And yet, it is the little things that let me know more about him, not his profound art or writings: His love poems, his astrological charts, the pictures of his kids hanging from trees.  The note about Chemo treatments.  The divorce papers.  The typed telegrams and letters – no e-mails here.  The little things are what make me want to take care of a collection.  Your life remembered in sweet little words and pictures.  And I wonder if his kids know their pictures are in this repository.  They are in there 40's now.  Do they even remember him taking the picture of them, laughing in the sun, all but yay-tall, giggling for miles?  If they don’t, someone will.  I do every time I hold the picture in my hands.  

That’s what it comes down to in Archives.  No matter how big or small, everyone deserves to have left a footprint that will be protected.  They are the symbols on the inside of a cave that change someone’s life. All the good, bad and ugly, we must protect and preserve. If not to inspire to aid in positive evolution.

Lately I've been getting really into Advocacy and Archives.  Brainstorming on how the two can co-habitate for the better. I'm going to an academic conference regarding those two things this weekend, details to come after Saturday. I'm positive i'll be more inspired and directed.

My Brain, Sunny side up

This is your brain on Grad school.

These past few weeks, I've felt as though I've had to re-wire my brain. So much information is coming thru my ears that I sometimes feel completely overwhelmed by the "information about information." 

I'm thinking about information in a new way.  One that isn't confined to my lap top.  It's blowing my mind day by day by how much information is and will continue to change our world. 

so since i am wired to read about information all day long, I came across this article in the Economist. 

It talks about power and the Web.  Who holds that power is changing right at this very moment.  The Internet is now becoming something that societies feel they can control and manipulate, it's no longer as "open" as it used to be.  It's not about freedom any more as much as it is about who can control it. 

Today we learned about Digital Archiving.  Blew my mind.  So much stuff out there just sitting in a basement somewhere waiting to be adapted to the web, waiting to see the light of day once again.   Lots of emphasis has been given to paper documents, but people usually lack the funding and knowledge to transfer our Audio/Visual treasures to an online, public format.  I think you can only expect to see a lot more of this in the coming years and hopefully I can learn how to contribute. 

Now going to the Library more to sizzle my brain...........
 

The Ranuzzi Manuscript Collection

Today was normal.  You know, class, bike riding, reading thru 16th century manuscripts.....

Today after my first class, I headed over to the Harry Ransom Center.  The Center is a world class repository for - well pretty much anything in the world.  The HRC holds artifacts such as manuscripts (my current infatuation), music, oral histories, film, set designs, costumes (they recently saved Scarlett O'Hara's dress from further decline), screenplays, writings, some of Shakespeare's original work, art, rare books, photographs and whatever else you'd want to research to your little heart's content.

This semester I am taking a class where we analyze old (11th-19th Century) Manuscripts.  From our observations we hope to learn how to recognize what it is that makes the Manuscript, rare book or art book so important.We also have been learning how these books were constructed and repaired numerous times over their life span.  One interesting thing my professor said in class the other day was that, "If you are looking at such an old piece of work, chances are this book was stolen at least once during it's lifetime."  That's one of the ways such artifacts have survived human exposure.  They are treasured and keep us fascinated for ages.  Even after we're dead they're in the hands of a new eager reader, dealer or lover of books.

At the time of history we are looking at (10-16th Cen.) most Manuscripts were used as Hymn books, Genealogical References, and Records (be it Business or Medical).

The particular collection we're dealing with for our first assignment are the Ranuzzi Manuscripts.

Today the three 16th Century Italian Manuscripts i read dealt with Genealogical lines of various Venetian families from 419 AD - 1000 AD.  With the little Italian I remember i could verify some sentences like, "Graziano, has the fair love of his wife, Crispina."  One family's last name was listed as "HOMOBON".  I guess the last name of "Goodman" must be really old and most likely in some form of last name in every country.  But that is just speculation.  There were also "Amo" and "Amici". "I love" and "Friends" in Italian.  

When I hold these rarities in my young hands, I cannot get swept away by the idea that I am looking at someone's handwriting who has been away from this world since the 16th century.  What were they like and what did they do all day?  Who did they love or love to hate, and did they have a family?  Were they noble or an apprentice?  At this point you can close your eye lids and almost see a face coming to mind.

Did they think it would be in America, a land they knew little about and would never visit?  Did they think a young woman - of all people - would be handling this book, let alone know how to read it?

And who has owned this book?!  Was it ever stolen or sold or bought?

Looking at the 500 year old parchment the mind begins to wander.

Hopefully my fascination with history and antiquated items will never cease.  It is too thrilling to know the proof of where we have come from and where we are going.

Also! For the prophets of the electronic reformatting world that say EVERYTHING will go digital, I disagree.  Even if everything is converted to digital format we will always want the hard copy.  And paper will still be bought.  Not all writers can write on laptops.  Nor can you ever stop 4th grade girls from passing notes.  There are certain things that are too close to the heart to change with time.



Digitizing my diary would be a pain in the ass.

Sunday conclusions

I'm really excited about my program.  The opportunities and information in the program are endless.  Mind boggling and, yes, extremely overwhelming, but i'm sure it will all reveal itself in two years - when i'm no longer enrolled and paying off mountains of debt.  You know, no rush.

Speaking of RUSHing......
As the last few days of freedom fade out soooo many parties are happening at a ferocious rate around me. also, i continuously see Greek "Rush" festivities going on and they make me laugh.  paying for friends.  silly freshman.  haven't they learned the easiest way to make friends freshman year is a good solid ping pong table and a keg of Busch lite?  or in their case, Lonestar?

I've been trying to not rush, which is something really hard for me NOT to do.  It seems i rely on my to-do lists in life.  I got a part-time job for the booze money, not really b/c i need it, seeing that FinAid is my "Padre" for the next two years.  Maybe i won't have a part-time job always....but for some reason not working SOMEWHERE seems unnatural to me.

i have a class a the Harry Ransom Center this semester and am WAY too excited/looking forward to it. it's a class where we get to explore the best practices on preserving, and utilizing primary source materials from the HR Research Center.  I'll get to study Rare Books and Manuscripts. From syllabus: "The course seeks to foster a sense of connoisseurship in the Books
Arts in the broadest sense, including (but not limited to) the
medieval manuscript, Incunabula and other early printed books, Gothic
and Renaissance bookbindings, emblem books of the 17th-century, the
French Illustrated book (18th-century), English Color-Plate Books
(19th-century), the English Private Press movement, Children’s Books,
Modern Illustrated books. Throughout the course the relationship
between the antiquarian book trade, private collectors, and Special
Collections Libraries will be explored."

YA. SO I'M KINDA GEEKING OUT.

otherwise i've yet to find an aging hipster to my liking, but have been asked out to a swimmin' hole by a god-fearing, southern gentleman at a Cowboy Boot store.  The answer of if i will go to this swimmin' hole remains undefined, but hey, it's a good story.

Yesterday was pretty much the definition of Austin living thus far. I wandered around weird SoCo (South Congress) stores w/ buddies, we went to an old soda parlor.  That place will get it's own entry someday.
We went back to the community pool soaking in it for probably six hours all the while nursing the nectar of Greatness, "Lonestar".  Think PBR, only Southern.  It's existence is actually parodied on the cartoon, "King of the Hill" as "Alamo" beer.  Also - i feel like i am the only one that doesn't have a tattoo in Austin.  I notice this while walking around town, but in the pool it was made even more apparent.

  I learned Lonestar was a vegan beer as we got into weird health stories and human biology trivia w/ a kind Research Assistant at UT.  We then were invited over to the RA's place for a free vegan feast from "Veggie Heaven".  It was great - i don't know if i can say that based on the vegan-ness or the free factor but it was a gooooood meal after lounging in a pool all day getting tanked. Think "beer in the shower" only for like 5 hours. 

catch ya on the flip side......xoxo.

Austin Food Trailers: Gourdough's

These are not yo Mama's average donuts.  These are slices of sugar kissed heaven!!!!

And this place is located in the same spot at The Odd Duck trailer.  OOOO man.  Aortas - brace yourselves.

At first you think, "donuts?" - big whoop.  i can get those at Krispie Kreme and they taste delish.  But KK cannot even COMPARE to what heavenly, salivating glory is Gourdough's.
Think a full on amazing dessert, sitting on a light fluffy bed of freshly fried donut (s).  Here are some of the donuts I tried:

 The Razzle Dazzle: Raspberry filling w/ Fudge Icing

ODB: Cream filled donut holes w/ Icing rolled in Coconut [this was my fave]

Funky Monkey: Grilled Bananas and Cream cheese icing w/ Brown Sugar

DESTRUCTION !!!! in ma bellllllyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy..................................yums.

Austin Food Trailers: Odd Duck

Located in South Austin, on Lamar, the Odd Duck is truly unique in taste and concept.

All their food is from local, organic sources.  They are so fresh minded, they have a new menu every single day!!!

Who would think such class dining could come out of an a vintage trailer!

On my visit i was lucky enough to try this:

melon and cucumber salad with cherry tomatoes and goat cheese.
quail w/ cheese grits.
pork slider. (phenomenal!)
Cornish hen chicken w/ arugula and corn salsa.

Typically i think the idea of food trucks is quick greasy food on the go, but the Odd Duck is quite the opposite.  It's healthy, fresh ingredients at a classy classy quality and presentation.

Spiderhouse

Hey there, it's been awhile.  After that first week of moving all the logistics came in to stay for awhile.  But they are slowly packing up and catching the next flight out.

One place i go on the occasional afternoon is the Spiderhouse.  Yes, it is fun w/ pals, but if you just want to write in your Moleskine notebook and ponder life while sipping the coffee elixir of your choice - it's a nice place to free your mind.  The surroundings are mainly responsible for this.

The entire backyard of the small, purple house is covered in archaic treasures.  Some may call this "junk", but they old wrought iron, vintage carnival lights and stone fountains really make this house a home.

These treasures are placed along the garden perimeter, triggering one to feel something blissfully secretive about your own little delinquent ice coffee sipping paradise.

And if that isn't enough inspiration for your thoughts, the House's insides are covered in beautiful art by local artists, a new artist being featured at least every other week it seems.  Art showings are a weekly event.

They also have a multitude of events.  Last week they had a "bike-in" - think drive-in w/ bikes instead of cars.  It's open from 7 am - 2am so there is always something going on, a place that definitely rides the ebb and flow of daily life to the highest heights.    I've yet to go there at night when it becomes a bar atmosphere, but from the looks of the patio lights, crowded parking lot and people it is just as enchanting in the evening as it is in the sun.

Day 1 of Commuter Cycling & a Milkshake surprise

Yesterday marked the first day in my life as a Commuter Cyclist.  Bike rider. Complete novice.  So of course, it was Fate's joke that i should be flung from my bicycle on the first day.

After going face to pavement, my wrists and knees being the only ones to bruise from the skid, i proceeded to rant a gigantic down pour of expletives.  No one was nearby so it was okay to go full-bore.

After the rage subsided, i realized, "Now I have an excuse to go try the Vegan milkshakes at Toy Joy!"
milkshakes = all better.  Equivalent to a band aid really. 

I rode a bit farther and low and behold, there was the toy store that serves Vegan treats - popsicles, milkshakes, soft serve, sundaes - THE WORKS. I am not at present a Vegan, but i had to try these.  They looked soooo yummy.  and healthy, of course!  After slurping down my frothy "Blood Orange" milkshake, it was totally worth the fall.  

Day two of being a commuter cyclist begins....ahhhhhh.  As much as it sucks to fall, the feeling one gets from zooming down the street is great.  Like flying around buildings.  It's much more stimulating than driving, when one is stuck in a car w/ their music and wards off the world inside their little, armored pod.  I've yet to get road rage from a car driver. that will probably happen today seeing that i'm heading downtown. Wish me luck.

muah xo.

Barton Springs

Our second day in Texas, the temperature broke 103.  Amazeballs!!!!

So obviously, we had to go cool off SOMEWHERE. Initially you think, what bodies of water are in Austin?  Isn’t Austin land locked? 

Similar to Michigan, but on a much smaller scale, Austin has several lakes to go cool off at. Lady Bird Lake (known as Town Lake to the born and bred), Lake Travis and Lake Austin are the popular, cool-down escapes. Along w/ lakes, there are natural springs, public pools, and to be more representative of a southern charmed life – swimmin’ holes.

Barton Springs falls into the natural springs category.  Long before Mr. Zilker bought the land it sits on – that land later becoming Zilker Park – Native Americans and missionaries enjoyed the cooling relaxation of this spring.  Barton Springs is open all year round and stays at a steady temperature of  60 degrees.  Not bad when it is 103 outside.  It starts at ankle level and progresses into a deeper depth of 17 ft.  The pool itself is as long as a football field.  Plenty room for every hottie. 

It being a natural spring the bottom is super slippery with algae and at times a family of seaweeds will dance around your ankles, reminding you that you are in something that was here before the historical signs in front. 

Elgin's Southside Market & Restaurant

We flew into Houston and drove to Austin.  About 30 minutes before we hit Austin, we decided to stop at the little city of Elgin’s Southside Market.  Approaching the austere barn, about two feet away from the entrance you can already smell that smoky, succulent air.   

Walking in, you may think you’re in an oven.  You are.  You are in a barn-shaped, mesquite- burning ember oven. An oven established in 1882.  

All the flavors that will inevitably hit your mouth when you eat the juicy brisket sandwich hit your nose at the door: The sweet bbq sauce, the crispy, fatty goodness sides – but the strongest scent that hits your nose is that rich, steamy, smoke ridden bliss.  You are in the back of the line and your mouth is already watering. “I hope this line moves fast,” you think.  But the others in line around you aren’t in that same Pavlov induced state.  Because they are the locals and get spoiled by the BBQ ridden state of Texas every day.  Well – maybe not everyday – but if they so wished, they could always taste the best, juiciest meat that just melts off the bone and into your mouth any day in Elgin.    

I'm a poet and I didn't even know it.

Writing poetry is one of my favorite things to do.  I've done lots of poetry classes and such.  Some of my stuff has been published and some of it has never seen the light of day -

until now.

Check out my original poetry collection (the Spirit is moving you...) !

Marzipan Moxley

Marzipan Moxley: "i like to write.
it makes everything better."

i made a Flavors.me account, everyone!!!

i'm gonna put my whole DIGITAL LIFE up in hizzzzahhhhhhhh.

visit my new digital home (if the Spirit should so move you).

Lake Shore

As much as I gripe about Michigan, one thing this state has is the Lakes.  I do not feel a summer is complete without visiting Lake Michigan. Or any one of the Great Lakes.  I guess I am just biased. 

After a hazy three hour drive across 94, we had reached the lake house we would stay in for the weekend.  Decorated in classic red, white & blue banners, it radiated the all American cottage ideal.  If there was pink lemonade waiting for us on a wicker table on the porch, I think it could’ve been in a Better Home & Gardens  ad.

As soon as we got our stuff on the floor we all sat and chatted.  As you get older you see the people you grew up with less and less - at least at this point in my life i do.  This reality has only recently sunk in for me. It hit me more after this past season of college graduations.  No more summers at home w/ the 'rents.  We all live in different states.  We all are interested in different jobs and boys and lifestyles. Yet, we can still laugh and giggle and say one word and all of us know what the other is really saying.  Although each time we go away and come back I do fear we are becoming less of who we were and more of who we are...now.  And, no – this is not a bad thing.  Change is the goal.  But sometimes I wonder if the way we are changing is in a direction apart -  even if it is for the best.  It is weird when you have friends and/or significant other and cannot imagine your life w/out any of them in it.  Then fast forward two or three years later, and you have more, if not a completely new set of people that make you feel the same way.  I hope this happens in Austin; even though admitting that is as exciting as it is frightening. 

After a weekend of laying in the sand, head phones on and off throughout offering the proper soundtrack, jet skiing, swimming and eating and drinking, I definitely have decided that everyone deserves to own a tiki bar/cottage/villa/beach house, on the water at some point in their life.  Herman Melville said, “Meditation and water are wedded forever,” in his Novel, Moby Dick.  The calm and felicity that is felt near bodies of water has to be some of the strongest healing and reflective powers one can experience.

Austin, TX has Barton Springs and Lake Travis. There is a restaurant that sits over Lake Travis called Oasis.  I guess the patrons actually clap after the sunset goes down.  A regular light show. :)    I will have to check those out and see if the sunsets can match Lake Michigan’s.   

     

Passion

I've been thinking a lot about passion, bliss, joy and love, lately - but it is not a person all these emotions are pouring out to.

I've been thinking about all these four words in regards to living one's life.  I realize I'm not raising any new questions here.  People asks themselves these things all the time: "Am I living my life?  Or am I just going thru the meaningless motions I no longer notice that I am cultivating day by day?"  After a long hibernation of not asking this of myself, I have begun.

This past year has truly been a blah respite.  At first, when I finished undergrad last December, I resented the boredom and monotony.  To rid myself of this I chose to do things I'd never done before or thought I couldn't do. Like running 5ks.  Since I never run, this goal proved to be a tough one, but well worth it.  Now I can run 5ks and not feel like I will have a heart attack afterwards!  Joy.

Another thing I had stopped doing was singing & acting.  Ever since Fall '08 I had stopped my private voice study for the first time in 12 years.  Singing is a big part of my life and always will be.  Sadly, ever since I came back from Italy in April '09, I had let this passion go by the way-side.  So, seeing that I had chose to do things I'd neglected, I tried out for a musical in Feb of '10.  I hooked back up w/ my old voice teacher and we went over the audition piece.  I could tell which voice muscles had not flexed in awhile.  But, as much as I could not longer belt out Italian arias over a crowd of Macaroni Grill eaters (i did this job before i left for Italy) my voice could still sound beautiful!!!  It was a true feeling of passion to hear the melodies come soaring out again.  Performance makes me feel this way.  It makes me connect to my heart in the deepest way I know possible.  To hear and feel the emotion vibrate thru the vocal chords is exhilarating for me.  The musical I tried out for was Gypsy.  I was set on getting the role of a washed up prostitute - a minor character, a character that would be the object of hilarious fodder for the audience.  It was fun to get nervous again for a try-out.  I hadn't felt that  feeling in my stomach since Master Classes during undergrad.  Try-outs are like mini wars w/ yourself.  Despite a triumphant pace home or a sulk back to the fort - whatever the outcome - you get up the next morning and can at least say you made it thru. You're still alive.

I DID NOT get the prostitute part I had hoped for.  The young director said I was not what he was looking for: "you're young and can sing well, I want old, fat and bad singers- why didn't you try-out for a lead?!"  He did offer me a small role of a "Hollywood Blonde", but I did not accept.  The audition was enough of an accomplishment.

I used to blog more frequently too.  This personal blog is helping me to get back to my writing skills.  I've also started journal writing again.  Never underestimate the power of the journal.  It truly is a great vehicle for self-reflection and for answering those inquiries that may develop by your third entry.  Like running, hopefully i'll be able to run a 5k w/ my pen on the paper one day.  That seems to have gotten lost as well.   Poems have become my little friends again!  They got the invites, i just have to convince them to come to the party.

I no longer resent the respite that has run its course.  I look back - as i am awaking now from this sort of year long hibernation - and realize that you definitely need those periods in life sometimes.  When production is low, and "boredom" is high you're allowed to take a breather and think.  And sometimes from this deep boredom comes a lot of reflection which can bring forth the passion that has been lacking.  Weird how life seems to circle all the time.  Boredom > Reflection > Passion.

I know I am going to be SUPER busy from Grad school starting in the Fall and busy finding my life around my new city.  But after this huge respite, I am determine to make life much more creative and impassioned this year.  I've had time for many ideas to grow and I am dying to pick and sell them at the market.  So far, I've decided before next year is over i will be cast in a show/be in a choir, join a writing group, and get published (anywhere, for anything!).

I am remembering my passions! I feel so grateful and happy to be feeling this energy again!!!  I think passion was really summed up very well by Meryl Streep in this Inside the Actor Studio interview (start @ 2.50).  The feeling of it is truly transcendent and full of grace, purpose. 

Also - an article that seemed to say some things i just did, but FAR MORE ELOQUENTLY was by Yogi, Kathryn Budig.

Listen and Read and try to remember what makes you feel most alive!  Then make a first move.  Even if the attempt sucks, i promise you will feel more alive after you try.

peace & love to you & yours....

Chicago weekend & Anusara Workshop

Namaste!

This weekend i will be attending an Anusara Yoga workshop by Yogi, Amy Ippoliti in Chicago at the Moksha Center. 
I went to Anusara founder, John Friend's tour in March and it was life-changing.  I've been practicing Anusara Yoga for a year and a half.  Anusara is truly something that has grown close to my heart.  I know like John's workshop, Amy's will be challenging as well but TOTALLY worth it.  I always come out of a session as a  Blissed-out person.  All the running i do keeps me fit, but definitely does not provide the same philosophical side that Anusara yoga does for me. I truly believe any life changing exercise must enlighten mind and soul, as well as body. 

I am going to be staying w/ one of my bffl in her exquisite downtown apartment.   So excited to see her.  We plan on seeing SATC2. And, yes, despite it being utterly ridiculous and counter-productive to the feminist movement - I still want to swoon over John Corbet in Abu Dhabi!!!

If the weather is awesome, i am going to have to lounge by Lake Michigan for a bit. I cannot get enough sun!!!

ACL ticket - Sunday line up

Hey there, Internet!

I purchased my ticket for ACL.  Going for the Sunday line-up.  Although highly mainstream I still really wanted to see these bands.  The line-up for Sunday is:::::::

The Eagles - I'm gonna see them Flaming Lips - I'm gonna see THESE BASTARDS! Norah Jones- I'm going to respectfully hum along to her  Band of Horses The National Robert Earl Keen Yeasayer - YEA, i say. Portugal. The Man Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - I'm going to blow bubbles in their general direction  Rebelution Devendra Banhart and the Grogs - I'm going to laugh and walk away (unless he impressively surprises me - or if Joanna Newsom somehow miraculously shows up as a s.g.) Gayngs Richard Thompson Martin Sexton Midlake Foals Switchfoot - no.  Cage the Elephant The Morning Benders Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Henry Clay People Blind Pilot Dawes The Constellations T. Bird and the Breaks Frank Turner The Relatives MyNameIsJohnMichael SPEAK Maxim Ludwig & The Santa Fe Seven Ashley Cleveland & Kenny Greenberg Buddy & The Straight Way Travelers Ruby Jane  and whomever the others are, i am not that cool to know anything about them.  will google and LaLa them tonight.

ACL

i am thinking of going to the Austin City Limits Festival in October.  Will give me an excuse to go to the park and walk in the sunshine. 


which day should i go to? all the shows look pretty good.  as of now i'm between Friday and Sunday. 

Things to remember when i move to Austin, and in life in general.

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2010/05/10-things-i-wish-i-had-known-about-life-when-i-was-21/

still struggling w/ #s: 3, 5, 7.

Insights from current students

A few weeks ago I went on the "FB" and found current students in each program I am visiting. i messaged them and asked them everything, likes and dislikes, advice, quality of the program

The one set of students from "School A" said the following: the program is dry, does offer Career Services; however, they know very little about the LIS field, and doesn't know of anyone who has found a job through them. SIS won't give you any help here either,the professors are fine, but uninspiring and the career services has either not been utilized or is not worth looking into for connections after grad school,professors are accessible and friendly, lots of group projects, the students are great, and the quality of the program is good, you can "somewhat" tailor your degree, but there is not alot of room for another specialization (80%/20%). They love the city they live in.

School B: students have enjoyed their time there thus far, love their professors, feel they are accessible and they have used the career services offered at the career center, plenty of internships are offered thru the career center, small school is nice for learning, advisors helpful in finding your career track and class which go w/ that, you can tailor your degree, but there are alot of required courses, so it may prove difficult to do alot of other courses - plan your track out carefully!, hands on approach for learning, tons of awesome different libraries on campus. They love the city they live in.

School A is $20,000 less expensive than School B.

At this point I'm 95% sure I'm going to School B. Although it is more expensive I feel it will be more beneficial for me and my career.  BUT I am going to visit and if the visit proves unappealing I will go back the drawing board.  I am visiting both schools regardless.

I am visiting School B this upcoming weekend and super excited!!!!!!!!!!! Will post pictures and findings upon return.

Hey ya!

I'm starting to write on this blog again.

I'm in a transitional phase and need to document all this.

I'm going to Grad school. I've gotten into School A and School B, but have no clue where I will go. I'm visiting both in mid-May.

The reason I am using "School A and B" is because I am paranoid if I say something negative on my blog about the programs I don't want to get peeps from my prospective programs pissed at me.  

I'm walking about and going to write about it more here.

will keep you posted on my findings.