Thursday, June 2, 2011

Reisen

Hey everyone!

Sorry I haven't written in a long time; I had a hectic end to school and now I am in Europe!I went to Finland, Latvia, and Estonia with my choir and now I am in Cologne, Germany. Thir trip h as been incredible so far. I was so inspired by the people of Estonia and Latvia. Those countries, as you probably know, were part of the USSR. They won their freedoom in remarkable, peaceful ways. Estonia, especially, was inspiring. The people of Estonia participated in something called "the singing revolution." This revolution took place in Estonia and included many people who came together and sang forbidden songs in Estonian stressing things like freedom and a national identity. They used their ideas and the power of music as well to gain independence from a great opressor who had done a lot of hrm to their people and their national identity. Latvia has a similar story, with many casualties in the soviet time period.
As an American, I realize how lucky I am to have my liberties, but I did not realize until I visited a part of the world which was recently opressed, that I take a lot of things about being American for granted. People all over the world live without a voice or an advocate, but we, as Americans, live somewhere where most of us can be heard when we have something to say. The idea of being occupied is foreign to us, and generally when we learn about foreign atrocities, it feels as though it happened to "Those people." Being in the places where the formerly abused and oppressed live and lived is somethign completely different, and it helps to learn about these people and events in their contexts.

This trip  has been so interesting to me and completely awe-inspiring. I cannot imagine what it would be like to live in fear or to fight against that constant fear, knowing you were at a disadvantage, sinply because of your nationality. Today's music is a song that is important in Estonia, "Mu isamaa on minu arm"

The modern version of this song is sung at the end of every Esotnian song festival, every two years, and its current melody was composed in the 1940s by a famous Estonian conductor and composer, Gustav Ernesaks. This man and this piece gave hope to many and helped to create a new identity in Estonia that would withstand approximately 50 more yerars of occupation.


Text:

My Fatherland is My Love,
to whom I´ve given My Heart.
To You I sing, my greatest happiness,
My flowering Estonia!
Your pain boils in My Heart,
Your Pride and Joy makes me happy,
My Fatherland, My Fatherland!
My Fatherland is My Love,
I shall never leave Him,
even if I must die hundred deaths
because of Him!
Does the foreign envy slander,
You still live in my Heart,
My Fatherland, My Fatherland!
My Fatherland is My Love,
and I want to rest,
to lay down into Your Arms,
My sacred Estonia!
Your Birds will sing Sleep to Me,
flowers will bloom from My Ashes,
My Fatherland, My Fatherland!

So, enjoy this piece and maybe take a second to be thankful for our rights and freedoms, because there are many who fought for them and many who still work toward them now. 

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Symptome

So, this entry is something a little different than my usual fare, and I hope that's alright with you.

I have a lot of single friends. Now, my friends run the spectrum from elated with their singleness, hooking up randomly, to yearning for a permanent romantic relationship.

For a while, I have been one of the yearners. My friends and I wonder what it is that is keeping us from falling in love and finding our happily ever after. I have recently decided, within the past year, that although I may not always be happy with being single, there are a lot of things about it that make sense at this point in my life. These are things I would like to share with you.

Two of my best friends use the phrase "waiting time is not wasted time." While we may not always abide by this mantra, I think it is a great outlook and something that is very true. Those who are "unhappily single" could benefit from finding the blessing in what they might term a burden. Being alone can be something that is so liberating and give you the time to become who you truly feel you are meant to be in the interim.


A lot of the movies we watch and books we read as typical young women shape our views of the world. We think that we will meet a man by the time we are 25 or so, date for a while, get engaged for a year, have a beautiful wedding and start having children. This frame of thinking is so detrimental to us. People are different. Lives are different. Focusing your energy on a movie-style "happily ever after" is a somewhat futile endeavor. It's not to say that nothing like that ever happens, but to count on it seems ill-advised.

Instead of looking at fictional relationships, as well as the successful relationships of our peers, it might help to look to ourselves. What is it that you truly want? How can you become the best version of yourself? Are you doing things that make you feel happy and fulfilled? Until we can start to answer these tough self-assessing questions, being in a relationship would be a nightmare.


So, I just thought I would share my thoughts with you and leave a thought and a video for you to contemplate tonight...

"You can explore the universe looking for somebody who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and you will not find that person anywhere."
- Anonymous



SO, be comfortable in your singleness and relish the gift it is to be uncertain. We have an entire life ahead of us that is not tied to any one person. Think about the places you could see or the difference you could make with this gift of time to be solitary. Hold that gift in your heart, and when the time is right, you will get to share the beautiful person that you have helped yourself become with someone who is really worthy.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Im Stress? Ja, Natürlich!

Well, the end of the semester has arrived. Oh what joy!

I have been staying up a lot later than usual and freaking out more, but finally, I have finished a majority of my work. For those of you who read this and don't go to Truman (who am I kidding? That's just my mom), after Easter, we have 4 days of classes and then finals week is here. Generally, I am the queen of procrastination. I work but nothing seems to get done. This semester, that is not the case! I have a much heavier load than usual but that seems to have inspired me to action!

My general look at finals week time:





My look this year:




So, with my smiling face and reduced stress thanks to the long hours I have put in the last few days, there must be some music that I have been jamming to, right? RIGHT!

So, in the wake of my stressful working brain overload days, I have some relaxing tunes that you might like to get down with if you have a stressful life right now too.

1. "Be Gentle With Me"- The Boy Least Likely To
            This song has gotten me through some tough times over the past three years. I used to take breaks  from the really crappy days and dance to this in my dorm room. Hell, a couple weeks ago, I danced to it in my house. If you take this musical recommendation (which you should), make sure you stand up and MOVE while you listen. It will make you feel better. I promise.
2. "We Be Steady Mobbin"- Lil Wayne feat. Gucci Mane
            This jam is not for the faint of heart. If you can't handle profanity, don't listen to this. If you, like me, have no problem with people who curse like sailors and say crazy stuff, this is for you. Make sure you listen, because although it's classic violence and womanizing, it really is pretty clever.
3. "Tightrope"-Janelle Monae feat. Big Boi
            This song is so catchy and upbeat. It's another song that's perfect for dancing. With a 60's soul feel and a modern, upbeat twist, you can't go wrong. "Tightrope" is AWESOME.

Well, I don't really have much else to say today, except that you should keep your chin up, take a five minute break, and listen to a song. You'll be glad you did.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Spaziergang Symphonie

Over the weekend, I went on an early morning walk/coffee run with one of my best friends. Usually, on the weekends, I just sleep in, but this weekend, after a few minutes of drowsing, I woke up and got moving.

We went to "Sweet Expressions" on the square and drank some delicious chai and coffee, as well as a breakfast of blueberry muffins and had some awesome conversation. After that, we went to "Hidden Treasures," an antique and consignment store across the street from "Sweet Expressions." We wandered around the store for an hour or so, and after that headed home.

After leaving Emily at her porch, I started my short walk home. The sun was shining and, in a very out of character moment, I decided to leave my iPod in my pocket, rather than in my ears. I was really glad that I did so. That morning, the world provided me with a myriad of sounds. The sun shone brightly on my path, creating a background of light and warmth. The pleasant sound of birds chirping created an ambient melody in my otherwise quiet morning. As I walked, I thought about how lucky I was to live in such a beautiful world and as my thoughts turned to this "glass half full" pattern, I started to notice more sounds. The morning became a symphony of sound, filed with flies buzzing, birds singing, leaves rustling and the wind blowing. It was such a beautiful, calming walk home, and when I arrived at my destination, I felt that my spirit had somehow been lifted by the walk.

As you know, this blog is mainly linked to music, but sometimes we use music and our iPods as an escapist tactic; I know I sometimes do. So, in today's recommendation section, I leave you this:

-the world- unplug your headphone jack and plug in to the sounds around you, if only for ten minutes. You won't be sorry you did.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Etwas ein bisschen anderes

I have been thinking a lot recently about a lot of silly things. I have felt tired, frustrated, and very much alone. Yesterday, I called my mom and told her that sometimes I feel like no one asks me questions about myself or really wants to know anything that matters to me. She, being the wise woman she is, told me that sometimes you need to share without being asked. After I hung up with my mom, I went out with my friends and danced the night away. Not so alone, am I?

This morning, I started thinking more about our conversation and the way I really feel. Here is what I have discerned:

A lot of the time, loneliness is self inflicted. If you are unhappy about being alone and you feel sad for yourself, chances are, that is no one else's doing. I realize that sometimes I get so far inside myself that I am only isolated because I have somehow chosen it.

That being said, there are a few things that we could all learn from my "revelation" of sorts:

1. People matter. The thoughts and feelings of those around you are valid. Even if you may not agree, or you cannot see where they are coming from, people should always feel like their emotions are significant.
2. Listening is a gift. One of the most beautiful gifts you can give to another person is a listening ear. While this may seem like a cliche or an overly emotional look at life, it is important to remember that we are not solitary beings. Humans are made to be in communion with one another, and one great way to do that is through communication.
3. Self-pity is fast growing. Once you start to think, "poor me, no one cares what I think" you have embarked on a slippery slope. It's true that sometimes other people don't care what you think, but that doesn't make you less relevant, nor does it give you license to act as though you are the long-suffering listener.

I know that this is a little different from my other postings, but I figure that this is a platform to write what I think and feel. Today, I feel this.

Lastly, the sun is shining today and I, being an optimistic person, have something to share, a version of which I am certain  you have all heard me say:
The world is full of enough darkness. Bad attitudes, sadness, and complaints are all part of this overarching shadow. The most magnificent thing, however, is that we, as humans, have the power to dispel this darkness. The light that shines within our hearts can be shone through us, like light bulbs that are switched on by compassion. So, as silly or romanticized as it seems, maybe it's time we all shed a little more light and helped to clear some of those shadows.

Last night, my friend Sam gave a message at our weekly worship service talking about bearing good fruit. Now, whatever your faith structure may be is not the point. We can all grow tall and bear good fruit to improve the world in which we live if we try.

So, since I don't want to freak you out by having a non-musical post, I leave you with a recommendation for today:

-"Three Little Birds"-Bob Marley

Because every little thing really will be alright. 

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Die Sonne scheint in meinem Herz.

Today is SUNNY! I am having such a glorious day. I have had classes, but honestly, sometimes I dig learning. I know, I'm a nerd, a dweeb, a locker dweller. Well, whatever you call it, I embrace my academic existence.

A few days ago, I decided to explore a new world of aural entertainment that I had never before experienced. What is this entertainment, you ask? Why, the podcast, of course. For those of you who, like I was, are unsure about what a Podcast  actually is, let me enlighten you. A Podcast is like a radio show. It's a prerecorded program, sometimes with a video component, that is recorded and then available for download. Most of the popularity of these programs came through the use of the iPod, hence "podcast." Most if not all podcasts are free to download on iTunes and I have found a couple that I think are really incredible.

If you've read my blog so far through these formative stages, then you know what is coming next... a recommendation! It should come as no surprise that the podcasts I listen to now are music oriented. The first of the two is the NPR "Tiny Desk Concert" series.  This series is recorded at the desk of Bob Boilen, the host of NPR's "All Songs Considered" and its basically an artist or band performing live. This podcast has a video component, but the audio is incredible, so it is definitely portable as an audio Podcast on your iPod or MP3 player.

In the interest of hooking you, I have included a link to an incredible Tiny Desk Concert performed by the Avett Brothers....

Avett Brothers Tiny Desk

 I hope you enjoyed it if you haven't already listened to the Avett Brothers or seen a Tiny Desk Concert!! You shoudl definitely subscribe to the Podcast; there are some incredible acts.

The second of the Podcasts I am listening to is the "KEXP Live Performances Podcast." This Podcast is basically just a live in-studio performance with a smattering of incredible artists at a Seattle radio station, including Florence + the Machine, Beirut, Jamie Lidell and a ton of other AWESOME musicians. I just listened to the Florence recording today, and I highly recommend it. Below is a link to a Youtube video of the "Cosmic Love" recording from this performance...

Florence on KEXP

Well, if you haven't tried the Podcast thing before, I hope this entry has encouraged you to do so. There is a world of music out there that can move your soul, move your feet, or just help you move through the day, and below, I have left some recommendations for sunny gorgeous days like today.

-"Radio"- Beyonce (I know, not my usual fare.)
-"After the Storm"- Mumford & Sons
-"Rehab"-Originally by Amy Winehouse, covered by Paolo Nutini
-"Campus"- Vampire Weekend

So, take a break, read up and then plug in for some tunes. You'll be glad you did.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Draußen? Grau. Natürlich.

Well, today was a dreary day in Kirksville. The whole day was sort of gray, in every way. Generally, days like these make me sad, and today was perhaps no different, although there is one, pardon the cliche, silver lining to these sorts of overcast days. Now what, do you ask, could be the silver lining? Well, my friends, that would be the music that accompanies these sorts of days.

I am an iPod junkie, and therefore, I seldom walk anywhere without it. So, today, in between classes and responsibilities, I listened to some GREAT cloudy day music.

I started my day with Bon Iver. I listened especially to "Skinny Love" and, of course, "Flume." The other day, a fellow music major friend and I were talking about the emotions we like to sing. We both decided that, while love songs and happiness can be easy and fun sometimes, we really prefer to sing sadness.  I think that's why Bon Iver speaks so clearly to me when it's cloudy outside. Sometimes, it is really soothing to feel in touch with the sad, sonorous harmonies of this type of music and today was one of those times.

Without much thought as to why, I know that the lyrics to "Skinny Love",  /And I told you to be patient And I told you to be fine And I told you to be balanced And I told you to be kind/ really speak to me. But isn't that what art is for, after all? To speak to your soul, even when you aren't sure what it's saying.

My other gray day band that kept popping up in my head and on my iPod today was Beirut. Beirut is an American indie band that mixes Balkan folk and and other Eastern European folk with Western pop music. I could listen to "Postcards from Italy"or "Nantes" all day. Now, I'm not a naturally sad person and I have a lovely life, but sometimes, I love to get into this music and let it affect my mood. The beautiful melody lines and harmony lines that correspond really play on my heartstrings, in a good way.

So, on this gray day, if the weather's got you down, embrace it. Kick back and listen to my recommendations today...

-"Elephant Gun"- Beirut
-"The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get Us!"- Sufjan Stevens
-"Naked As We Came"-Iron and Wine
-"Silver Lining"-Rilo Kiley

So, take a break, read up and then plug in for some tunes. You'll be glad you did.