Movies, Music, Meme's and Other Things Starting with M

I'll start off with the movies part of this post, since this is going to be a hodge podge of ideas and ramblings. I saw Secret Window. I'm sure you know the star of this film is Johnny Depp. I'm sure you all know that he's the main reason that I went to see this film. But did you know that it's actually quite good?

I know the reviews haven't been stellar, but as for suspense/thrillers, this one is quite tolerable. You might have guessed that this is not a film genre I usually venture out for, but again, Johnny Depp is in it. He doesn't disappoint either. I've seen him play so many roles and now I've added another type to that list, madman/murderer.

I don't want to give the plot away, so I won't go into that, but if you want to see a decent suspense film and you like Johnny Depp, you won't be disappointed. Really, you won't.

I'm trying to make a "Me" mix CD and I need some help. I don't want this to be random songs that are thrown on the disc, that I think represent me. Why? Because the disc is going to someone that doesn't really know me. So I thought if I had some suggestions for what makes up me, I might be able to go at this more effectively.

These were some of the suggestions tossed at me by Live Journal people.


Best Friend Song
Romantic Life Song
Theme Song
General Favorite Song

So as you can see, I need about 14 or 15 more ideas like that. Please help!

Now onto the Meme. I saw this one at Live Journal.

Top Ten Shaggable Fictional Characters

~just a note, I'm going to go for a few book characters, cos when you start tossing in TV and Movie Characters, well aren't you really just crushing on the actor that plays the part? Also, they are really in no particular order.

1. Lestat: The star of the Vampire Chronicles. Honestly, from the Interview with a Vampire, I knew I wouldn't mind if he bit my neck! He has attitude, class and style, and in most of the books he's not wussy. I abhor wussy vampires. You'd think they'd be happy with immortality, but no!! They want to become mortal again. PAH!

2. Tristan Hanover: For those of you that aren't familiar with Man Out of Time, the novel I'm working on, Tristan is one of my male characters. Actually he is the most important male character. He's tall, he's blonde, he's passionate and he's in a band. Tristan's a romantic at heart too. I love him to pieces and I'll miss him deeply once I write the ending.

3. Rue: Rue is the gypsy from Chocolat. Remember that before the film version, this was a book. And the character is quite enjoyable and likable. It's one of my favorite novels turned movies. Very little change was made and what was changed made the film better. Sure I see Johnny Depp every time I think of Rue, but that can't be helped.

4. Valmont: Another cross over from literary character to film. The whole premise of the 2 films, Dangerous Liasions and Valmont is about sex. So how could you not want to shag Valmont? Add the visual of John Malkovich and Colin Firth and well....THUD

5. Jeff Murdoch: Yup, here's my tv hunny. Totally off the wall, sad pathetic fellow, but so intensely likeable. I want to shag him, because no one else does. And you know what? That means more for me. So there! Neener Neener Neener! Oh and my Jeff Murdoch is the UK Jeff, not that poser that played him in the short lived US version.

6. Arnold J. Rimmer: The smeghead from the UK series, Red Dwarf. Such a bumbling fool and I always go for the underdog, so since he's been gagging for a shag since the series began, I'll help him out.

7. Erik: The Phantom of the Opera. I know he's ugly, but if you read the book by Gaston Leroux, you can't help but fall in love with him. A beautiful character. I'd do him.

8. Nick Knight: Another TV vampire. A wussy one, but with a strong mind and a very good heart. He's the lead on the series Forever Knight. His character is played by the ever so gorgeous Geriant Wyn Davies. He's another vampire who can just BITE ME!

9. Marius and Enjorlas from Les Miserables. I should probably let them go as nine and ten, but I won't since they are from the same book. Two very passionate characters and that's a trait I like in a man.

10. Rene and Sir Stephen from the Story of O. I don't think I should have to answer why. I think they speak for themselves.

It's Time To Slant

This is fast becoming one of my favorite memes, so I'll do this one again. It's never up before I leave the house though, so it's a late update all the time. Late but fun. So here's this week's Saturday Slant.

Catching A Leprechaun
Legend has it if you catch a leprechaun he is honor bound to grant you a single wish, even as far as to give up his pot of gold. A single wish. The Jin of Aladdin's tales grant three--room enough to correct mistakes. With a single wish, however, there is no going back. You hold in your grip a spry little man with beard and curls of amber. Annoyed at being caught he glares up at you demanding: "Aye. What shall ye be wishing then, hey?" A single wish. Think carefully before you answer.

One wish. A single wish. That would probably be the hardest thing to do right now, because in my life there are so many things that one wish couldn't cover. Would that pot of gold take away all the other things wrong in my life? Would having a job that I loved and paid well enough to make sure all my bills were covered and then some, make the quality of my life any better. Would that pot of gold make my mother who has a heart condition and diabetes live any longer? Would it pay for a hearing aid that would help my father hear the "right" things? Could one little pot of gold do that? Dare I wish for more?

Would I be selfish? I read today that Madonna spends over 250,000 dollars a year on clothes and that each hour of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones' wedding cost 210,000, that's an hourly rate, and I don't imagine the festivities were over in one hour!

~sigh~

I don't think peace on earth could really be accomplished by a wish. I don't think wishing for a better President could help me in the here and now.

So as I sit here and look at the possibilities, perhaps that pot of gold is the only way to go. It can certainly help me along on some of the hardships my family faces. It would pay my bills. It would pay for my mother's medication. It would pay for a good hearing aid for my father. It would pay for all those little things that we all wish we had and can't afford. You know the selfish things, like seeing the Moody Blues 7 times, or Elvis Costello, or David Bowie, or Paul McCartney. Stuff like that.

So I guess when I weigh things out, I'd want the pot of gold. It wouldn't make everything right in my world but it would help ease much of the pain of it. And ultimately that's better than nothing.

Goodnight Irene Goodnight

My mix cds and the mix cds my friends have made me need a home. Seriously! They are piling up on the floor and look terribly lonesome there. I have to find someplace nice for them to reside when they aren't in my cd player. It's funny, but the 'real' cds don't get spun as much as the mixes do. I haven't figured out why that is. Maybe it's the personal touch that comes with a mix cd or maybe it's just a short attention span. I don't know.

The mixes I've received lately have just managed to make things look better in my life, so to those of you I've swapped with, I thank you many times over.

I just wish there was someplace nice I could store them. I'm so short of space in my house, things start piling up on the floor and well, everywhere. It doesn't help matters that I'm a pack rat either. So the poor dears must content themselves with being scattered on the floor, or get lost in the shuffle somewhere.

So much in my life is disorganized. My cds are usually the only thing that isn't. And it's true for the most part; I have everything stored in alphabetical and chronological order. The newbie discs are what lurk in piles.

My computer is like that too. I sort things out for awhile and then harvest them over to cdrws. I think it's time for another harvesting. There are so many pretty things that need to be moved to disc. I just hate to move them. I love to open my folders and gaze at the beauty that is Justin Hayward or John Lodge or David Bowie or Elvis Costello...etc etc. When they are on disc, I tend to forget about them. That's sad.

It's probably a good thing I'm not that way with my writing. Another milestone was reached today, my novel that I've been working on for over a year now (in different forms) has reached 330 pages. I realize it probably stinks, but I'm enjoying the process again. I've written 25 pages this week, 5 a day. Hopefully I'll see it finished soon, because my mind is cluttered with new ideas for stories. (and one that needs finishing)

I think while I have a few people reading Man Out of Time, I'll start brushing up on a vampire story I started two years ago. I've already let a few people read what I had written previously and I think the feedback has been pretty good. If not I have an idea for a historical novel, much like the Love Eternal story I had written earlier this year. It's a bit of a fanfiction, about Justin Hayward, but not in the classic sense of fanfiction. I'm very proud of that one. Next to Distorted Angel, which can be found on my Such Unlikely Stories page, I like that one best.

So it seems the two constants in my life are music and writing, even if the writing is the sillyness that I type here. I suppose as long as there's at least one person reading I'll go on.

Up From The Ashes

Gee, I've not been the updating fool I usually am these past few days. I've even resorted to doing lots of meme's. Why? Have I run out of rants? NO! Never fear I always have a rant or two hidden away for when I need it most. I've been really concentrating on working on my novel this week. I've probably written at least 20 pages this week. I'm quite pleased with the way it's turning out too. I've also been trying to read Out of Africa. I don't know why, but I just can't get into it. It has nothing to do with the writing or the subject matter, I just can't get into it. I don't feel any excitement or involvement with the author and the people who's lives she's sharing with this story. I feel guilty, about 70 pages in, I started to read a regency romance, and I've finished that already.

In other news, Siouxsie and the Banshee's former guitarist John McGeoch died this week. I finally found an article about it online. He died in his sleep at age 48. Such a sad thing.

In personal news, I've been on a diet since Sunday. I'm doing well I think. The major issue in this isn't so much the not eating. I think I have that under control, it's the not drinking soda. I can't say this enough. I need Coca Cola to survive! In the past five days, I've had one can a day. The rest of the time I'm thirsty etc, I've been drinking water.

Ah the foolish things we do to be thin.

Even better still, the foolish reasons why we want to be thin. What should it matter that I'm thin for 2 upcoming concerts? No one of any importance is going to see me, and if they did, I highly doubt my weight would figure into things. OK, maybe in some cases it might. Wouldn't want my moody men to turn and run.

So hopefully next week, springlike weather will show up and I'll be able to add walking to my regimine. To think last summer I was walking 5 miles a day on the walking path. Oh how things change. So that's what's been going on with me, what about you?

Friday Five

It's been awhile since I've done one of these, and since I haven't found a picture suitable for the photo time theme this week, I figured why not.

Friday Five

1. What was the last song you heard?
The last song was Justin Hayward's version of the Beatles' Blackbird, from Classic Blue. I've been alternating between this CD and the Mix CD I mentioned in yesterdays post. I wish Justin would stop covering Beatles songs, it seems sacriligious to like his versions better, and well, I do.

2. What were the last two movies you saw?
Love Actually for the second time about 3 weeks ago at the dollar theatre, cos I just had to see it again and before that Big Fish. I recommend both movies. I will tell you this, if you're sappy, like me, (don't tell anyone) you'll come out crying from both films. For different reasons, of course, but you'll still be crying.

3. What were the last three things you purchased?
I bought shampoo, conditioner and some new eyemakeup today. Whatever you do, don't go to Wenches and read my post from yesterday. Cos I was cleaning out my makeup containers/drawers. I think it was just to make room for new stuff.

4. What four things do you need to do this weekend?
Go see Johnny Depp's new film, Secret Window.
Stick to my diet.
Burn 8 CDs for a trade.
Work on my novel some more

There's more than this of course, but that's a good start.

5. Who are the last five people you talked to?

In no particular order..

Mom
Sister
Raymond (nephew)
Dad
Michael (other nephew)

Say It With Love

Sometimes it's the old songs that give you the most comfort. At least I like to think so. And sometime's I wish I could give one or two to someone, because they need it. I almost always return the tags of people that stop by here. I don't know most of my readers more than to chat with them online. I know there's a few of my friends that read this and even one family member, but for the most part it's all online people.

So I hit the link and went to this taggers blog, only to read that she had just learned her mother had cancer. This is the first thing I read, since I just woke up. I'm a stranger, so all I can offer is hugs, to someone I don't know from Adam. I'm crying, because though I've both my parents, I know the fear of thinking I might lose one.

And here I am listening to Justin Hayward's Classic Blue, his most beautiful recording and full of the saddest songs. I'm sitting here crying, for a person I don't know, and because the voice singing sounds like an angel.

I wanted to write an eloquent, or at least funny post about the mix cd I got yesterday from Moody Mistress. It was the Life Soundtrack Mix. Remember that one? It's lurking on the page somewhere. And sure it's full of songs I already have, but somehow the ordering of the songs was just right. Almost each one was like an old friend, stopping by to say hello.

Music is like that. When it touches your life, it doesn't leave you. It becomes a friend, a family member that's there when you need them most, giving you what you need most at the time, whether it bring you a smile or comfort, whatever, it's there. It's a steady constant, it never goes away. When everyone is gone, the music is still there. Even if the artist isn't around, their songs endure on.

So 2 cds full of old friends showed up on my doorstep. I played them constantly last night, welcoming into my home and heart; John, Paul, George and Ringo, Davy, Micky, Peter and Mike, Justin Hayward, The Moody Blues, Elvis Costello and Tom Petty, all old friends. I smiled quite a bit last night. Sure some of these old friends are around all the time, but it was nice to hear the songs I hadn't heard in a long time. A big thank you to Moody Mistress for the smiles she brought yesterday. (though there were a few other things in my package that brought smiles...this was the big one)

I can only hope the tagger that stopped by, has a song that will bring a smile to her face every now and then, because everyone needs that, even when there seems to be no reason to smile at all.

And I leave you today with the words of the Hayward...


Underneath
A sea of doubt
There's a million voices shouting
Let me out, let me out
When we go
We never return
'Cos there's just one lesson
That we got to learn
Wherever you go
Whatever you do
Whatever you say
Say, say, say
Say it with love
Say it with love
Say it with love
Say it with love
Say it with love

Wednesday Mind Hump

For A Little Fun


This week's Mind Hump ... a little fun with "if you could" ...

1. If you could live your life as a cartoon character, which one would it be & why?
Now there's an interesting question, and considering I'm a cartoon connesseuir, this is a hard one. I wouldn't mind being Trixie from Spreed Racer, except isn't she Speed's sister? So wrong, he was always such a cute cartoon. If not I'd probably pick Obleena from Real Monsters on Nickolodeon. Simply because she was a monster with attitude.

2. If you could be invisible for 24 hours how would you spend those hours?
Firstly, if I'm going to be invisble, do I have to remain at home. If so, I'd probably be invisible sitting at my computer. If not, I'm going to wreck some havoc on the Hayward household. Yup, going to make, Mrs. Hayward think her house is haunted or that she's going insane. (OK...and maybe sneak a peak at a naked Justin...and whistle at him a few times.) Hmmm.. wait, I'm invisible he's naked...(nevermind...we all know what I'm thinking..)

3. If you could call a much younger you on the phone, what would you tell you?
Oh that's easy. Whatever it is you think you want to do, don't do it. It's only going to cause you grief. Whatever you do, just don't do it. Cryptic yes, and also very true.

4. If you were one of the Seven Dwarves what would your name be? (excluding the original names of Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, Happy, Bashful, Grumpy and Doc) Tee Hee Cranky the PMS-sy dwarf!

5. If you came with a warning label that was clearly displayed at all times, what would it say?

WARNING - This woman comes with mood swings, expensive shopping habits and a tendency to obsess over music. Please use with caution, as she will spend all your money and make you listen to the Moody Blues and Elvis Costello.

A Very Cool Rock Wife

A Very Cool Rock Wife

Someone sent me this picture of Kirsten Lodge. I had to share it, just because...well, she's one spunky looking lady. Plus, she's married to my Lodgey. (controls jealousy)





I've been told she'll tell tales about her hubby if you get her started. Tee Hee. Poor John.

Such a handsome thing he is.



Looks good in leather too.

CD Swap Blog

Art of the Mix has set up blogs. Why I don't know, but I decided to set up a blog for CD Swaps. I have all the details of how I think things should work out posted here. I'm hoping over time we can do this on a monthly basis.

So if any of you think it's a good idea, leave me some feedback, either on that site or here. I've also linked the new blog here. Hopefully if we can get the word out we can have some swaps on a regular basis. Thanks to a few helpful people I've found some really cool themes to work on too.

I have so much music, and I like to share it. I'm sure there must be others out there that do too!

Celebrity Dreams

I love it when people creep into my dreams. I guess all it takes is to talk about them before bed, or read an article before bed, and poof, there they are, wandering about in my dreams.

At least it was a pretty dream. OK, it was a very pretty dream. Any dream with Johnny Depp in it is pretty. And while I know you are all thinking it, no, it wasn't one of those dreams!!

Oddly for as hot as I find Mr. Depp, I've never once thought of snogging him. Though if my dreams would let me, I suppose I wouldn't mind.

But anyway, I was at some movie screening and everyone had a chance to sit down and talk to Johnny. In my dream he was candid and very friendly. I guess that's how I expect him to be. Weird though, cos other than when I look at pictures of Johnny or watch a movie with him in it, I don't really give him much of a passing thought, at least not to learn about his personal life or anything like that.

I guess what I should do now is give myself a reason to dream, or at least a reason to

Cos even though they've tried to ugly him up for this movie, he's still a looker.




The film is Secret Window. It opens on Friday. I think Johnny Depp's worth 7.50, so I'll be there.

Happy Birthday

The Music Whore would like to wish Micky Dolenz a very happy birthday.





Happy 59th Micky!

Wake Me When It's Over, Shake Me When It's Done

I did no senseless gratuitous blogging yesterday, but somehow MOOT only grew by 4 pages. Of course the idea for the next chapter came right as I'm about to fall asleep, which is sadly always the case. So maybe I'll be luckier with that today.

Moody Mistress did a very cute storyline around video captures from Sleepy Hollow yesterday. Go there and read it. It's hilarious, she had me in stitches. She's also made me decide to do my version of the Addam's Family, only with Justin Hayward and his wifey and daughter. You may understand why when you see the pictures. ~shudders~ Justin has an odd family.

Oh....and before I do my Monday Madness, I found a cute picture of Kirsten Lodge yesterday. (Kirsten being John Lodge's wife) I've seen several pictures of Justin's Marie/Zombie over the past year, from varying points in their marriage. Kirsten I've only seen recent shots of. I'm not sure why I'm curious, but I am. Go figure.

Now onto Monday Madness

*Ok, using the letters in YOUR name, list words to describe yourself.
*And as a bonus question, using the same letters, make a list of things you would like to do before this calendar year is over.



A: rtistic (in a writing kinda way)
N: eurotic (LOL)
D: riven (by a a mad scientist that compells me to write)
R: ealistic (even though I love my fantasy)
E: clectic (you can't deny me this one) or eccentric both suit...
A: bnormal (again you know it's true, and that's why you love me)

and the bonus

A: tlantic City
N: ot lose faith in what I can do. (cos life is sucking really hard right now)
D: rive wherever it takes to see the Moody Blues this spring/summer
R: ead more non-romance novels (this was one of my resolutions..so far I'm going one for one)
E: rie (for a weekend trip, I haven't been there in years...I need to see the lake again)
A: tlantic Ocean

That was harder than I expected. I'm now sitting here watching the snow fall, when last Friday it almost reached 80 degrees. We were 75 in my little hamlet, Pittsburgh hit 77. Don't even look at the weather pixie today.

So to keep the warmth around here, at least for a few minutes.



A young picture of Justin. This is one of my favorite shots of him from the earlier days. (Though I have to say, there aren't many bad pictures of him)

Stuff and Nonsense

I'm turning into a slacker, or maybe I always was a slacker. I've got so many stupid little things to do. And one big one. MOOT (please don't make me type the title) needs updating. Lots of updating actually. I need to clean, really clean, around the house. I'm horrible at cleaning. I keep things forever. Hate to pitch things. Why? I haven't a clue.

Art of the mix is offering a blog at their site. I started one. This is the link. Maybe we can use it as a site to swap mixes. Do a nice CD Swap thingie. I was talking to Tay about doing something like this on Live Journal, but who knows maybe this will work out better.

See I have this theory on CD Swaps. The more people involved in a group, the more likely you are to get screwed over in the swap. So my idea is that once a month people that want to do a swap can leave feedback at the journal, then after signups, you're given a mix swap partner for the month. That way you are only responsible for one mix. You will have that person's email addy etc, and will be responsible for keeping your partner up to date on the status of the mix. (when it was sent ..etc)

It's just an idea, that's been floating around in my head.

I'm thinking of creating another blog too. Everyone seems to have dieting blogs. Maybe I need one. I know I need a diet. Woud you look at that picture of me with John Lodge? PAH! I'm the moo cow doing the catlike rubbing up against the Lodgey man. Poor Lodgey.

I guess I need support is what I'm saying..HA! What I need is for the food to vanish.

So, really in order to get to work on the story that's been bugging me for over a year now, if you see any excessive bloggin from me today. Yell at me! (or something) It's my day to blog at Wenches so I'm entitled to one post there and possibly one at my LiveJournal. More than that, come at me with a stick, cos I'm slacking. Wish me luck.

Another Slant

I should be doing so many other things, but I decided to go and look at this week's Saturday Slant. The one I did earlier today was last week's question. So forgive me if I do one more. Cos it's a good question.

This past year was
The Saturday Slant posted its first Slant on 9 March, 2003 this week one year ago. In honor of the one year anniversary of the Saturday Slant, tell your readers about your last year. What did you do? What do you wish you had done? What happened to you? What have you learned? How have you changed? Who came into, or left, your life?

Well, this is quite a nifty one to start with. There was a lot of good and bad in this year. I quit a job I hated, started a new one, only to be laid off in August. Haven't worked much since. That's the bad part.

Good parts....I saw Brad Sherwood at the Improv in May and met him. I was actually on stage with him for a time. I found I have a greater respect for him now than I did before. He's quite funny and very sweet. Also saw Eddie Izzard at the Byham back in October, met him as well. Saw the Moody Blues in Nov at the Powers Theatre in Youngstown.









I think that says enough there.

As far as writing goes I've completed 6 short stories and my novel Man Out of Time is very close to completion. That's actually what I should be doing now. Oh and I made my first road trip this year. HA! I'm almost 30! My first road trip and it was to Youngstown OH.

It was a very odd year I think. Good but odd.

I Made A Mix

I spent half of last night making this mix. The artwork is beautiful, and I can't share it with you, because the Art of The Mix site is having some serious issues. Everytime I hit submit, I get a lovely (Insert expletive here) error messag. So I haven't been able to post my new mix. It's so much easier to post it there and put the link here, but oh well, such is life.

Move Your Body

Falco - Vienna Calling
Peter Schilling - The Different Story
Eurythmics - When Tomorrow Comes
Captain Sensible - Glad It's All Over
Madonna - Thief of Hearts
Cyndi Lauper - Insecurious
Feargal Sharkey - Cold Cold Streets
ABBA - Super Trouper
Information Society - What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy)
Erasure - Run To The Sun
Delerium - After All
Adam Ant - Manners & Physique
Robbie Williams - Supreme
Lisa Stansfield - All Around The World
The Moody Blues - Sitting At The Wheel (Remix)
David Bowie - New Killer Star
Sarah Brightman - Harem


At some point I'll get the artwork up and share. It's really great.

While I'm on the subject of music and mixes, I had all the swapped mixes out last night. I have mixes by Tay, Brian, Christine and a few others as well, all laying out on the floor.

It's taking a giant step to swap mixes with people. God knows what you'll get. I've had a few scary mixes show up on the doorstep. I've also had some fantastic ones. Accepting someone else's musical taste can be frightening as well as eye opening.

Usually I find one song on each mix that I really like. Sometimes I'm lucky and find more, unless it's a fantastic mix..and well, then I ususally like the whole thing. (Which is why I feel asleep to Christine's Make Out Mix from the Summer Burn It and well Brian's Movie Mix keeps sneaking into my cd player)

I'm still trying to figure out how Duran Duran and Marilyn Mason can be on the same mix. ~shudders~ Not at the Duran Duran part, mind you. I guess that makes things more ecclectic, but it makes me give the dog head tilt look.

It's all for the love of music anyway...

Saturday Slant

This is last week's Slant, but it was so up my proverbial

What songs give you support or inspiration?

More so than any other media of entertainment or information, music often acts as a catharsis to help us move through and past difficult situations and times. What songs give you support or inspiration? Whether it�s the pain of a breakup, the agony inherent in contemplating ending a relationship, the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, or even just a rough day, we all have emotionally trying times


OK...here's my answer...

If I'm really in dire need of a smile, the first song I'm going to go for is The Moody Blues' Don't Need A Reindeer. Yes, it's a Christmas song, but there's really something sweet and special about it. It's also upbeat and catcy and well, absolutely cute. It's impossible for me to not feel good after hearing this song.

I find inspiration in all music. I think anyone that knows my writing, and a few of you do, know that I draw a lot from what I listen too. Often I pay tribute to the song by titling the story after it. So I've found quite a bit of inspiration in Elvis Costello and The Moody Blues.

I know when I need to work something out with a story, I'll pop a cd in and see what happens. Though it seems that whatever band I like the most seems to give me the most inspiration at the time.

I'm one of those people though, that when I'm really depressed, music doesn't help me. I get frustrated usually. I'll play cd after cd, but never get through a whole disc, sometimes even a whole song, before changing it. Depression for me brings silence.

I'm trying to think back to what I was listening too the last time my mom was in the hospital. It was probably Elvis Costello. He's seen me through many ups and downs particularly in the last 2 years. Its not just one song, it's many. Mr. Costello has a way of putting things that seems to relate well with my life. Or maybe I just want them too, who knows.

Like I said before, when I hit rock bottom, I'm usually suffering in silence. Rather odd you might say but let me explain.

When you've fallen out of love, been dumped...you don't want to listen to love songs...they make you depressed. And sad songs, well they make you more depressed too. Happy music makes you want to through the CD player out the window.

OK..that's just me. But really in a deep depression, or a total emotional upheaval, I'll pick silence over music. I want my music to reflect on happy times. I don't want something that's going to trigger a negative response or feeling when I hear it. Why? Cos I'll likely never listen to it again.

So I guess music is more inspiring for me than supporting? Sounds that way. Now the question is, what song will inspire me next, cos my story is in dire need of work.

And Life is Such a Parody

Really, it's funny, go here. It's a parody of Cat's In The Cradle. I'm sure you've all heard this one, but it's got a cute little animation to go along with it.

Geeze what people don't think of.

PhotoTime

It's not often I can play these picture meme's, because well, there's not many photo opportunities going on in my little part of the world. Small town America is just not very exciting and my pets aren't fond of the camera.

But the theme of the week is Glass, and last Sunday after the noon mass, I snapped a picture of our main stained glass window above the altar. I don't know why, but I was compelled to do it.

If you'd like to see it, the photo is here.

It's Friday I'm In Love

No, not really, it's just really early in the morning on Friday, and as I'm not ready to drift off to the land of nod, I thought I'd ramble a bit. Ramble I said, not rant.

~ MOOT aka Man Out of Time has hit 300 type-written pages. Won't discuss how long it's taken to do this, but it has.

~ If you stare at video captures of Duran Duran videos long enough, you'll want to watch them.

~ Lerner's spring catalog is full of 60's inspired fashion. So who's going to lend me the body and the cash?

~ Read somewhere, that Elvis Costello's considering not recording another album ever again. Can I smap the man upside the head. One should not end a stellar career on a "North" note, and definitely not to help a skanky wife, advance in hers. NO NO NO! Elvis if you're out there...NO! Don't make me hit you!

~ Justin Hayward, my darling dearest, number 1 manwhore/musician/concubine/beautiful thing seems to have tossed his proverbial wrench in the reissue process of two of his solo CDs; Songwriter and Night Flight. I guess they misspelled his name again. Mr. Heyward? or is it Haywood or possible Hayword? Poor Pookie, the stress Universal puts him through. C'mere darlin' let me rub your neck and shoulders and make it all better. He's probably sitting at home proofreading. I feel for him.

~ Back to Elvis Costello, the next 3 reissues come out in April. Squeee! Looks around for monetary donations. Only for some reason, Rhino has decided to hold off on King of America until the last round. Kicks Rhino. So the next set of reissues aren't very exciting, Almost Blue, Goodbye Cruel World and Kojak Variety. GAH! I wanted King of America! That's one of my favorite Costello CDs and one I recommend highly for anyone getting into his music. First one is Blood and Chocolate. If you don't have that one, go out and buy it NOW!!!!

~ I've not quite figured out how my musical obsession skipped a decade. I lurve the music of the 60's and 80's, but there's not much from the 70's that I like. Exceptions being Mr. Costello, The Damned and Bowie. But then again, most of the Moody Blues' catalog was released in the 70's. So hmmm, maybe I didn't

~ I need another theme for a mix. I also need to burn my own copies of the Life Mixed Up Mix and the Sad Mix. Why do I never make copies for myself?

~ Can I have one of these mommy? Please?




I think on that note it's definitely time for bed.

Nights In White Satin....Never Reaching the End

One last meme, cos I've burned out on working on my novel.

This one is he Thursday Threesome. Sounds kinky but it's not.

Onesome: Night: -- Nights can be difficult if you need something from somewhere: what time do the stores shut down where you are? I mean, if you needed something more than a loaf of bread, is there any hope late at night?

In town, everything shuts down around 5 or 6 o'clock, but Charleroi, has a few mini-markets that are open 24/7. Thank God for the Crossroads gas stations. Oh and we have a Walmart Supercenter about 10 minutes from our house. So late night necessities can be grabbed.

Twosome: on the-- River? Hey, are there any rivers near you? ...or are you located out in the wilderness somewhere?

If you go down the hill from my house, you will run right into the Monongahela River. If you go about 15 miles to the east, you'll run into the Youghiogheny River. Head 25 miles to Pittsburgh and you'll get the Monongahela, Ohio and Allegheny Rivers.

Threesome: Town!-- If you could have any "Night on the Town" you wanted, what would you like to do? ...and would you like some company or would you go it alone?

Night on what town? I'd love to do some barhopping in Pittsburgh actually. Or just a nice early night at the Tiki Lounge on the South Side. Cos after 8 the music sucks. Then maybe a nice dinner at Papparazzi's. So if Justin Hayward or John Lodge would like to join me, I'm all for it, providing, they shake their sexy boot-tays with me.

Or those two can take me to the moon and stars and pick up their guitars and give me a moonlight serenade by one of those pretty rivers. ~sigh~

Wednesday Mind Hump

Another New Meme

Found this today, so I'm a day late


This week's Mind HUMP is an "I say ... You think ..."

1. Pig : Diana Krall
2. Purple : Panda
3. Shears : Julian
4. Dragon : Pete's
5. Route: 66
6. Lego: Blocks
7. Stevie Ray Vaughn: Guitar
8. Some people call me Maurice: Pick Up Lines
9. Rosey: Pink
10. Balance: Free

If I Were A Character on South Park

Stormy led me to this site yesterday. So yeah, I had to create the South Park me. Just because it was so much fun. Scary part of it is that it almost looks like me.

GAH!!



No this one is better



Sadly I now know what I'll be doing all day today. Yup, making zillions of new little South Park Characters!!! Go on, click the link and make your own South Park you, or someone else. Tee hee, I may make a South Park Justin...Look for an edit later.

~Edit...couldn't wait.



The South Park Justin Hayward. Hey he looks better than the Simpson's Justin.

In Other Words

I haven't played this meme in quite awhile. But the quote I found on the page struck me as rather profound and I just had to do it. So without further ado, in other words


Love is a blazing, crackling, green-wood flame, as much smoke as flame; friendship, married friendship particularly, is a steady, intense, comfortable fire. Love, in courtship, is friendship in hope; in matrimony, friendship upon proof.
-- Samuel Richardson (1689-1761), British novelist.

It seems that this quote knew I had the warm fuzzies going on. I think so much of it is true, that love is friendship. Without friendship how could you have love at all? And it's quite true that in the first stages of love you are developing a friendship in the hope that something lasting will come out of it and when you say your vows you have that proof of commitment on the rings that are exchanged.

I'm not finding the words I want to say, but I can see the how one might view love as a flame too, it's intensity changing over the course of a relationship, burning hot and fast as love grows, but always a steady glow remains long after the first blush of passions ebs.

Maybe the comparison to love and a flame comes from the warmth that real love brings to you. It's a pleasant thought and true. Everything seems to be warmer and brighter when you think you're in love.

I'm not sure why I've been feeling pulled towards more romantic things lately, it's not generally what I prefer. I think some of Justin Hayward's romanticism has rubbed off on me. This quote sounds like Justin too me. I equate romantic thoughts with the British for some reason. It could be my love for Regency romance novels, who knows?

What's On


What's On your 'places to go; people to see' list Right Now?

Most importantly, work. I'm beginning to think that this isn't going to happen on a regular basis.

David Bowie on May 17th

The Moody Blues either in Pittsburgh or Atlantic City in the summer

Erie in the summer (will avoid the relatives that live there like the plague)

Lancaster in the summer as well (a nice weekend trip)

Greg Proops in Atlantic City, if the Moody Blues don't take precedence.

Dots for some shopping

Jose's Wild Things to see if the food is any good.

TIKI Lounge pretty darn soon, cos I haven't had a drink in months.

Pittsburgh for the spring flower show in Oakland, I haven't had an excuse to use the camera in yonks.

Small Rant

Ok, we all know I've participated in the last 2 Burn It Swaps over at Neurotic Fishbowl. I love doing mixes, and I love sharing my odd taste in music with whoever will listen. I'm also always thrilled to hear different music. I still can't get Brian's Movie Soundtrack Vol 2 out of my CD player.

What I can't stand is what I read over at the Fishbowl today, and it's one of the main reasons why I wouldn't sign up for this swap. Kymberlie hasn't sent her discs out yet for the free for fall Burn it from what....Oct? Nov? WTF! And she's telling us that if you sign up, she gets another mix, but we get nothing in return.

Where is the fairness in that? I don't see it.

I also don't see anything posted as to people not being allowed to sign up, because they've defaulted on the previoius swap. Which means the potential for burning discs for nothing is still quite high. In fact, it's probably doubled, because if one person defaults you've already lost out on one disc. GAH!

I had to get that out of my system. Gee, and I only had one default on the last Burn It Swap. OK, two if you count sending Kymberlie her disc.

Wednesday Already

Oh geeze. This week is going by terribly fast. Could be because weeks fly by faster these days. Could be because I thought I'd be working normally this week, but I'm not. Could be a zillion things actually. I'm not sure which they are. Panic could be a contributing factor too.

Really I've done nada in the last few days. I could sound like a broken record. I wrote 5 pages in Man Out of Time, the story that's going to desperately need a new title soon. I watched a few minutes of Vh-1 Classic, Tuesday Twoplay wasn't to my liking, read a little and late last night watched the Story of O, because I borrowed the DVD from a friend, and dammit this time when I give it back, I'm going to have watched it.

It's all about Udo Kier really. Don't care too much for the Sir Stephen guy, he's rather unattractive. Speaking of the beautiful Udo, he shares a birthday with another one of my hunnies, Justin Hayward. Udo is older by a few years, don't ask me to do the math now, I'll make someone older than they are no doubt.

But sorry Justin, today is all about Udo. No, not really, just this post. I could never neglect the Hayward.





This is a more recent shot of the man at the premiere for Shadow of the Vampire. Just look at those eyes. So blue! Almost bluer than the Hayward's.

I've also noticed, he very seldom gets to live when he stars in horror movies. Blood for Dracula..Dead. Flesh for Frankenstein...Dead. Shadow of a Vampire...Dead. Modern Vampires....First one friggin DEAD!

Poor Udo, I guess he just dies well.

And Now For Something Completely Different - Randomness

Ha! Bet you thought I was going to say the larch! Couldn't resist the Monty Python humor.

~ Confusion is never a good thing when it has to deal with important things in your life. When it's not confusion that you've brought on yourself it's worse.

~ Johnny Depp looked entirely too hot at the Oscars. He was looking very scruffy for awhile, but that matters not. Johnny Depp is just one fine looking man no matter how his hair looks.




Ya, and I even think his significant other is pretty. I love her dresses. She's worn vintage style gowns to the last two awards shows and they are gorgeous.

~ The more pictures of Diana Krall that I see, the more I dislike her. Is there something wrong with smiling? Diana, you're not the one with the fucked up teeth, smile. You're married to a hot, uber talented rock star, you should be grinning from ear to ear, unless he's cheating already.

Oh but first, the Beauty



W/ T Bone Burnett.

And now the Beauty and the Beast



GAH! A grin even, foolish woman.

~ Danny Elfman was a no show. All that time I spent looking for pictures and for nothing. That's so wrong on so many levels. At least I found a few new pix in the process.


~ Done with the SAD Mix, and now I need something else to do. I'm enjoying making art so much I need more mixes! I think I still have a few of Tay's suggestions hidden in an email somewhere. Any other suggestions?

~ Ok, this has nothing to do with anything it's just pretty

Monday Madness

One of my favorite memes to start the midday with.

How many hours do you spend per week doing the following things?


1. Watching television : about 10 hours
2. Sitting at the computer: Depends on my works schedule, my computer is on almost all the time though.
3. Reading a book: 7 to 8 hours unless it's an engrossing book, and then I can waste a day away reading.
4. House work: No comment
5. Cooking: I can't cook
6. Eating: I'm thinking maybe 8 hours a little more if I eat out on several days.
7. Driving: GAH don't want to thing about that.
8. Working outside of your home: As in real work? Lately 20 hours, used to be 40.
9. Blogging: I blog at 3 different journals putting a time span to my blogging is kinda haphazard. It all depends on what I'm blogging about. 8 hours a week I'd guess.
10. Sleeping: I try to get 7 hours a night so 49.

Gosh that's a depressing meme.

Monday Morning Blues

I posted over at wenches yesterday, that I had a weekend of nothingness. Today I'm beginning to realize how true that was. I don't even recall if I sent out a story update on Friday. If not, I was really lazy and uninspired this weekend. It must be the sunshine. It warmed my brain and turned it to mush.

The brain isn't working at all when it comes to that story right now, and when I do get bouts of inspiration it's at bedtime. Having had all this time off work, I can't stay up late, because I'm not in the swing of things. I've been used to staying up til 1 or 2 in the morning, but I can't do that now and survive work. At least not for a few months. Maybe I'm just getting old. I don't know. I'm still not a morning person that's for sure.

And the Oscars? WTF! I'm just going to say this, Sean Penn? Pardon me, but no. I'm sick of the Academy playing sick jokes on us. Granted the nominees get some lovely parting gifts, but still. They nominate Johnny Depp for a role no one would take seriously when it came to an Oscar. They nominate Danny Elfman, when there is no way in hell he can win. The last year Danny was nominated, Titantic was the film of the year. (cough, cough) I'm not going there. The world knows my view on that piece of celluloid.

To which case, let's look at the true beauty of the Oscars.



Johnny Depp

Sunday Brunch

I feel bad I missed this one from last week. It's so appropriate to my life. So without further ado Sunday Brunch.

The Concert Circuit

1. How far would you or have you travelled to see a concert?
Well Youngstown, OH is the farthest I've travelled for a concert. Which is about 90 miles give or take a few. If the Moody Blues don't come to Pittsburgh this year, I may find myself in Atlantic City or Easton, PA. Which would be the farthest I've gone for any band. So Moodies, please just come to the Burgh. Why? Cos gas prices are supposed to skyrocket this summer, and I'm always the designated driver.

2. What is the best concert you've seen?
It's a tie; The Moody Blues 11/16/03 and Elvis Costello 10/19/02. The two best shows ever. Words couldn't begin to describe how fantastic these two show were. I will say this, two songs that you'll come to love even more live; Costello's I Want You and The Moody Blues Don't Need A Reindeer. Ah hell, you have to love Don't Need A Reindeer regardless.

3. What is the worst concert you've seen?
Worst? Oh dear, not sure if any of them were worst. I'd change this to disappointing, to which this would be David Bowie's Outside concert I saw in was it 95. Not for a shoddy performance or anything like that, but because his setlist was made up of all the songs from the then new Outside CD and when he played Pittsburgh, the album wasn't released yet. Very disappointing, especially since the only two old songs he did were Scary Monsters and Andy Warhol. Plus NIN was the opening act and the losers there to see them, left before Bowie came on. What a bunch of wankers.

4. Have you met a performer after a concert?
Yes, I met Elvis Costello after the show in Pittsburgh in '02. There's a picture around here somewhere. I've met a few before the show too, but that wasn't the question.




There now, all my readers will perish from seeing my ugliness.

5. What singer would you like to meet most?
Meet as in get a hug from and possibly get in a picture with them? Is that what this question is asking?

I'd like to have more than 5 seconds with this man



That would be Justin Hayward, in case you've forgotten.

Sad Songs Say So Much

I've been working on the artwork for this mix for about an hour. I am now a photoshop goddess. I'm very very proud of the artwork I've done for this mix. I just learned how to do the stitching on my program today. My friend, Erin did the stitching on the Life Mixed Up art.

So for those of you that want to see the tracklist for this mix and the spectacular art, click here. Once you get there, you can view all my other mixes and art. Though the only complete art is for the last two mixes I've done.

As always, if you like a mix, just ask, and I'm sure we can arrange a trade or something. I love sharing the music.

Well I Turned the Telly On Today

I thought, this would be a nice morning to let Vh-1 Classic soothe my savage beastie. Apparently not. It's obviously play every god awful cheesy bad band day. God, I just was subjected to 80's Starship. With the exception of Knee Deep In the Hoopla, Starship lost their edge years before. The 80's sound just didn't seem right on this bunch, plus Grace Slick wasn't doing much singing. So it was awful.

Then there was REO Speedwagon. Oh god, stop the insanity.

But that's not it. I'm being subjected to ELO now.

GAH! Could I get some 80's music that's good please, or better yet some classic rock that's good.

Nevermind, Sweet Jane is on, and I'm finding the Velvet Underground to be a relief. Something is seriously wrong with me. Cos I generally think Lou Reed is the anti-Christ, but this is one of 3 or 4 songs of his that I really like. At least that made up for the rest.

And while I'm on the subject of cheesy 80's music, I had another weird dream last night. I was talking to MoodyMistress about Justin Hayward's I'm Sorry, a song written by Hall and Oates. So guess who popped up in my dream?

If you're thinking Justin Hayward, well you're wrong.

I had a dream with John Oates!

GAH! Not even the cute one.

Creepy isn't it?

Makes the odd music that's tormenting me seem fitting. When Hall and Oates comes on I'll probably go nuts and run screaming from the room.

Why I'm Just Sick And Tired Of It

ARGH! As you can tell by the last post, yesterday evening pretty much sucked. Computer was blue screen of deathing. What fun that is! My spelling skills went out the window on the cd artwork I was doing and I had to go through and make changes at least 3 times so that the darn thing looks pretty. And for who? Me! and MoodyMistress. Sadly, she may have some typos on her art, cos I'm short on ink and money right now. Forgive me won't ya?

Not only that, but this stupid story I'm working on; I'm really fed up with it. I'm also fed up with asking people general questions about it and not getting answers either, or then getting long drawn out ones on something that I'm not asking about.

1. I know the story needs work.
2. I hate the story. Hate it hate it hate it!
3. If you don't like romance why did you offer to help? Oh and then desert me as far as helping for well over 3 months.

GAH! I'm bitching. Overreacting and generally being cranky.

Plus the only music I listened to yesterday were 2 Duran Duran bootlegs very early in the day. Have I mentioned the music whore needs music to survive? But everything was going so wrong and so badly that I didn't bother to turn anything on, and if I turned something on, on the computer, I'd likely have gotten the BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH!!

I would now like to pretend yesterday didn't happen, except that I'm still seething over it.

I'm going to take a few deep breaths and think about Lodgey now

Life Mixed Up

Well since my night is officially shot in the ass, I figured I'd post the links to the thing that made my night shot in the ass!
The Life Soundtrack mix is the bane of my existence, no I lie, Man Out of Time is, but that's a rant for another day.

Both discs are burned and the tracks are changed on disc two as I mentioned before. I have to say I wish my life had some of the scenes that are depicted in this mix. I'm glad I didn't add any or it would have gone to 3 discs, and I'd have lost the remaining 2 nerves that I have.

So I beg of you, go here and here to see the mixes with their artwork.

I'm very proud of the artwork. I did most of it on my PhotoStudio program and my friend Erin put them together on PhotoShop for me. For that, I'm eternally grateful.

Tackling The List

Well, I'm actually working on number 2 of the list. Man Out of Time is last, simply because that takes up so much time. I never realized how long it takes to write 5 pages. Sometimes it can take only a few hours, other times all day. So I'd rather do the something that is going to guzzle up the most of my time last. Makes sense right?

Oh and I've hopefully found a replacement track for Legend of the Mind on the Life Soundtrack Mix. I'll be using Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds instead. I send my apologies out to Ray Thomas of the Moody Blues and I promise him that I'll use one of his songs on another mix! Geeze and I love the Core 7 version of that song too. Ray's flute is just gorgeous. He's just a flautist in a rock n roll band anyway! (pun intended, of course)

I probably need to take an hour or two and go through the stuff I'm supposed to be sending out to people soon too. So Cheryl, Moody Mistress, and LOD, I promise you some Moody goodness sometime soon.

On a plus note maybe the CD list won't be such a hard thing to tackle! Ha! I'm still stressing out over the Harrison box set that's on sale for 84 bucks over at CD Universe. It's 125 when it's not on sale. GAH! George is trying to kill me! Then there are the two Justin Hayward discs out next Tuesday. I think I can only get one. Here's the issue. Songwriter has the bonus tracks that are worthy of buying the disc. Guess who doesn't like that disc very much? Yup me. Night Flight has 2 crap bonus tracks buy my copy of the disc is in shoddy shape. So decisions decisions.

Aren't you glad I don't worry about the state of the universe? I worry about my cd collection. If the house were going up in flames I'd probably have to perish because of the sheer agony I'd feel losing any of my precious babies.

Oh and the SAD mix is nearly complete. I just need to come up with artwork. I'll post the link to the page with the setlist and art for that and the Life mix shortly.

Lists And More Lists

I'm starting the too do lists before the weekend, because there's really just so much to do that it's ridiculous. Sad isn't it? All because I suck at managing my own time. I can manage time at work just fine, once I get home I become lazy and well, anything distracts me. (like mahjong)

So what's on the agena.

1. Need to spend some quality time with my novel. Only wrote 2 pages yesterday, totally unacceptable.
2. Have 4 cds to burn for a trade that need to be mailed on Saturday.
3. Need to finish off the Life Soundtrack mix which is now called Life Mixed Up. Art is done for disc 1 disc 2 is giving me issues. I need to change one track to get all the cues to fit. Fuqua!
4. I have 4 people I need to send prezzies too. Which means more cd burning this weekend. GAH this should have been done last week!

That's just the start of it. I propably should make a wish list on paper of the CDs I want, so that I don't get distracted in Best Buy etc. when shopping. Can I just say there are way too many CDs that I want?

Greg Proops' New Website

Cross posted to Wenches. Why? Cos it's so damn fantastic I have to share with everyone.



He's actually blogging, but it's his offical site. Call him cheap, call him anything you'd like, but my Pookie may finally have a site that has better updates.

His old site, Proopdog.com, which I won't bother to link to, was crap and ugly and will go the way of all things at the end of the month. Joy of joys! Worst website I ever saw. Greg could have done better on a Geocities site builder webpage.

So ya his blog is plain, and ya every one of you html goddesses that I know can do better, but it's a helluva lot nicer than that pitiful page he had before.

Yay Greg!

Freaky Dreams

Just one last random thing before I head off to quasi-worky land. I had a bizarre dream last night that only my friends Erin and April would appreciate. But I'm telling the world cos it was so strange.

I had a real weird snogging dream last night.

Yes, I know, you say, thank you for sharing.

But was I snogging Justin Hayward? NO!

Was I snogging John Lodge? NO!

Elvis Costello? Hell No!

Who was I snogging? Captain Sensible from the Damned!

ARGH!!!! And it was in my house too. Couldn't even take me somewhere nice, cheap bloke. Did write some poetry. HAHAHA! A real dream that was! Oh and he picked on the vast pile of romance novels in my room. Oh and I picked on him for Happy Talk, so I guess we're even, except he made money on Happy Talk.

I'm traumatized now.

A Few Random Thoughts

~ I really love the Proclaimers. Such a cheesy band, but there songs always seem to stick in my head for days...no weeks..no forever! I blame Brian for reminding me of this, because Get Ready was on Vol 2 of his Soundtrack mix. Love it! Great fun!

~ I'm only 3 chapters away from finishing Man Out of Time. I'm wondering if the title still makes sense now that we've come so far. I wonder if I've wasted my time. I wonder if I've wasted my readers time.

~ The Life Soundtrack Mix is too fun. As long as you don't put uber long songs on it, it's 2 discs long. Everyone is doing it! Who's going to be next? And who wants to swap with me?

~ I need to figure out how to do the fancy artwork covers for back art. Oddly I'm a wiz at somethings in photoshop (whistles quietly) but at other things I'm a dunce. Anyone want to help me out here?

~ You know your a Costello junkie when you spot his picture in a picture with another one of your manwhores. MoodyMistress is officially hooked on Costello having found a picture of him on a cd single in a picture of Justin Hayward and Ray Thomas of the Moody Blues at Tower Records.

~ My nephew asked for a copy of Duran Duran's Electric Barbarella. I'm not sure if I should be happy or scared.

That SAD Mix

I'm going to burn the Life Soundtrack mix tonight possibly. Depending on the artwork. I need to have the artwork when I make a mix. That way I can focus on the new theme. I had a few months of very little mix making, now I'm on a roll. Plus Miss Tay had a bunch of theme posted at her blog, so I might try some of those out too.

I have half of the tracks done for the SAD mix. I keep trying to throw a few different artists on my mixes. I hate to feel like I'm desperately trying to force some bands down your throats. But I have this to say, you can't make a melancholy mix without the Moody Blues. So they are on here. Sadly the song I chose was one I already used, so I might rethink my original choice. I hate overexposing certain songs. I'm sure many people hope to never hear the song Eloise by the Damned ever again.

Be glad that I haven't found an excuse to put the Moody Blues' Top Rank Suite on anything yet. It's such a funky song for the Moodies and oddly enough, Justin sings it. Rock on mighty Blonde God! I bow to your infinite talent. Sing it in concert please!!!!!

I think I have made the tracks flow nicely it's a bit on the ambient side with an acoustic twist here and there. I'll be posting the complete mix as soon as I get things sorted out with the Life Soundtrack Mix.

Who Ordered the Snow?

We were doing quite well without it for the past few weeks. Just a little flurry here and there. Apparently it heard I was helping "The Bossman" out again, so it decided to fubar things, as usual.

It's not even that it's bad, it's just that I'm doing work out of his home, until we can move the office back either later this week or early next, and his house is up a big gravelly road that gets slippery really easy. There can be next to nothing anywhere and his road would be evil.

I'm really thinking it's time for this winter to be over. It's not been a good one; not weatherwise not lifewise. I want to start over again with the spring. So please snow, could you just stop?

Life Soundtrack

This was quite a challenge. I have all the songs picked out now. I was in the process of doing another mix, so this one was put on the back burner for a few days. Oh and I'm going to do the SAD mix, as a swap between friends. I'll post the mix when I finish it. I'm swapping with Brian, but if anyone else wants to swap, feel free to comment or email etc, cos I'm boycotting the Burn It Swap.

But onto the task at hand....THE MIX

opening credits: Pink Floyd - Learning to Fly
waking up scene: The Beatles - I'll Follow the Sun
happy driving to school with best friend scene: Def Leppard - Promises
dancing around house in underwear scene: Duran Duran - Electric Barbarella
first date scene: The Bangles - Eternal Flame
driving at night with crush scene: Madonna - Causing a Commotion
post fight with friend scene: Oingo Boingo - Where Do All My Friends Go?
youthful flashback scene: The Monkees - Daydream Believer
running around falling in love scene (day): Elton John - Are You Ready For Love
midnight rooftop dancing scene: Bob Mould - It's Too Late
dream scene: Annie Haslam - Lily Lullaby
playing at the park in day scene: Manfred Mann - The Mighty Quinn
quiet driving with friends at night scene: XTC - Cynical Days
looking cool scene: David Bowie - Miracle Goodnight
falling in love scene (night): Maroon 5 - Harder to Breathe
sweet make out scene: Depeche Mode - A Question of Lust
hanging out with friends scene: The Damned - Street of Dreams
hectic searching beat-the-clock scene: Paul McCartney - Looking for Changes
dance party scene: Duran Duran - Sunrise
sexy make out scene: Elvis Costello and the Attractions - Inch by Inch
tripping on drugs scene: The Beatles - Strawberry Fields Forever
lying down after intense scene: Roxy Music - Avalon
driving alone at night scene: Justin Hayward - The Way of the World
love scene: The Monkees - French Song
early morning tranquil scene: The Monkees - Early Morning Blues and Greens
heartbreak scene: Erasure - Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me
walking alone reflecting scene: Pink Floyd - On the Turning Away
summer day scene: Roxette - June Afternoon
regretful flashback scene: Moody Blues - Your Wildest Dreams
driving with best friend scene: Suzanne Vega - Left of Center
funeral scene: Warren Zevon - Keep Me In Your Heart
nostalgic scene: Enigma - Return to Innocence
crying scene: Annie Lennox - Cold
mental breakdown scene: Matchbox Twenty - Unwell
bitter, angry scene: Elvis Costello - I Hope You're Happy Now
declaring independance scene: This is the Moment (Jekyll and Hyde Soundtrack)
far from home Scene: Glass Tiger - Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone
driving at sunrise scene: John Lodge - Summer Breeze
space travel scene: David Bowie - Halo Spaceboy
closing credits: Davy Jones - I Can Make You Happy

I haven't tried burning it yet, may do so this weekend. I'm trying to get spifier with artwork and stuff, I'll post a link to the Art of Mix page it can be found on when it's 100% complete. Until then, I'm going to work on the SAD Mix.

Monday Monday

I should do an meme or something to liven this place up a bit, but maybe later. This is the second day that I'm going to be doing some kind of work during the day. Its about fricken time you say. Well I say it too. I know its made me one cranky wenchling these past few months. Crankier than my usual self.

Supposedly we are to do an office move in a week or two and then things will return to normal again, or as close to normal as they can be with the guy I work for. I will say one thing for my job, there's never a dull moment.

I'm thinking regardless of that today's not going to be a good day at all. Not for work reasons, my job isn't designed to have bad days or very stressful days, just freaky ones. This is more on a family front.

Mom went to the heart doctor last Wednesday. They have her scheduled for an echocardiogram today. I probably didn't spell that correctly, but oh well, such is life. I'm not ready to deal with bad news on that front, but I'm pretty sure that's what we're going to get. When she was at the doctors a month ago to check on her pacemaker, they said she'd been having atrial attacks. Great!

So for those of you that care, and even for those of you that don't, say a prayer or something for my mum. I'll be at work going nuts until she's home.

Something to Giggle At

What to post what to post. This means the giggling must be done over the random thoughts of the Music Whore today.

~ Still loving those smileys, particularly the ones that make you think of people you know or encounter in day to day life.
Like this one

Don't you hate the people that you know that think everyone should do that to them, for whatever reason.

Again to those people I say . You have to talk in smileys to these people sometimes, cos their language is the only one they seem to understand. The smiley guy and his freinds are obviously on a higher plane then most of us. (or maybe it's a lower plane)

~ This always makes me giggle:




~ Ok, so this does too. I love the comics and it's so great to find new ones that are fun to read. After you finish that one, use the drop done bar and read Get Fuzzy and Rose is Rose. I'm eternally greatful to Stormy for introducing me to those.

~ Speaking of Odd and Funny things. What about RatherGood.com. This would be the guy that does the freaky Quiznos commericals and the kittens on Vh-1. I saw one of his cartoons a year or so ago on his site. Tales from the Blode. Those are hilarious and worth watching. Not as good as my pal Foamy, but funny nonetheless.

The Saturday Slant

You. Fame. Live television. Uncensored.
Britney's 55-hour marriage. The Britney-Christina-Madonna kiss. Justin's exposition of Janet's breast. Today's celebrities are turning noteriety into notoriousness, celebrity into shock value. Imagine yourself a celebrity. You are known by all and the frequent target of papparazzi cameras. You are about to appear on live television on an undelayed broadcast. You have the opportunity and means to distinguish yourself from the flock of Glamoratti parading across the television in a never-ending blur of one pretty face and perfect body after another. Here is your opportunity. What do you do with it?

I actually think the way to distinguish ones self might not be through shock value, though the idea is sure fun. What have the flock of untalented celebrities left for anyone else to do. Face it, Madonna had done it all. (probably literally too) Britney is just glamorized white trash, as is her nemesis, Christina. I don't find their antics to be any more shocking then what I see as I walk done the street. Someday both of them will have 6 illegitimate children and they'll be disguisting pigs. As for Ms Jackson, she was just trying to draw the attention away from that freak of a brother of hers.

So for shock value, what could I come up with?

It's an awards ceremony perhaps? I'm dressed in similar garb to Madonna's when she did Vogue on the VMA's. Yup full on screaming historical fashion. I will accept my award graciously, but as I start to thank all the people that made my award possible, a few manwhores slip from beneath my skirt, all wearing shit eating grins. Hmmm can you guess which ones?

I wonder, being as short as I am, if I could fit someone say 6'1 underneath the hoops. I guess if he was on his knees he'd fit. ~grins evilly~

Songs in the Key of She

I did a mix of songs that all had girls names in the title. The mix and the artwork can be found here.

I had a lot of fun with this one. It took quite a bit of time to fill the CD, because I had to find songs that I liked and I was trying to keep this mix original. I think if you click the link you'll find some different bands on this mix. Some of my tried and true favorites are on here, though. (Oddly I didn't put the Moody Blues' Emily's Song on the mix...BE PROUD!)

I only post the image I used as the background art there for a couple of reasons.

1. I use Easy CD Creator and I only decorate a front cover most of the time.

2. I haven't figured out how to do art in PhotoPro yet. (Someday I'll learn)

I'm going to tackle the Life Soundtrack Mix next.

Expect the Unexpected

I'd like to say something splendiferous occurred last night to make me strangely absent today, but well that would not be the case. Though it was completely unexpected and out of the blue. My boss called. You know the boss that has been MIA now for 5 weeks as I approach the end to my UE. Yeah that one.

So maybe today I'll find out what's going on in my life. It would be nice to know, because I've had a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach for about a month now when it comes to work.

To make matters more torturous for me, this is the month of reissues. Next Tuesday the George Harrison box comes out. That has all the reissues from his Dark Horse label together. Quite a bit of money for that, but if you buy them all together it's cheaper. Then there are those two Justin Hayward reissues. Let's not even go there.

Speaking of Justin, I don't ever ever want to see pictures of him with his daughter Doremi again. Nope not ever. Saw some, and it frightened me terribly. Not because she's unattractive, but because the way they were posing was just plain creepy. My stomach can't take that. I'd rather look at the wife. I'd rather have bamboo shoots rammed up my fingernails.

On that nauseating note, I'm going to think pretty thoughts and try to sort out the mess I call a life.

Thanx and stuff

~ Firstly I have to say a huge thank you to Coffeequeen for the gorgeous template!!

~ Secondly I'd like to thank Brian for the really cool movie mix. Here's hoping that his got there as well.

~ Speaking of thanking people for mixes. Miss Tay sent me some really great mixes. The Lovely Sounds Mix is still in my cd player!!

~ On the Kewl Happy News Front, Duran Duran got a lifetime acheivement award at the Brits.




Looks like Mr. Timberlake was looking for a wardrobe malfuction with Simon and JT. (The real JT mind you) Oh and a special note to that other JT....These are the people who's clothes we'd be happy to see off.

~ More Kewl Happy News, someone leaked some potential Moody Blues Tour Dates for Spring/Summer. All are tentative, but there was a mention of Pittsburgh. Fingers crossed for that. It's mostly Central and Eastern US. Take that all you West Coasters! Oh, and my one little giggle note, the Tower Theatre in Philly wasn't on the list. (giggles hysterically)

~ There's Justice in the Music Business News, Norah Jones' sophomore effort sold 1 million copies in its first week, proof that there is talent out there. (Which she got from her father, Ravi Shanker)

And Now For a Few Random Thoughts

~ Some of you may have noticed that there are a few changes here and there on the blog. Yup, that can mean only one thing, NEW TEMPLATE COMING! courtesy of coffeequeen. She's done a beautiful job and I can't wait to share it with you.

~Every time I go to make a mix cd there is always one song that I thought I had on the hard drive that isn't really there. I try to keep my hard drive clean, but sometimes it's just best to keep the mp3's on the computer.

~Miss Tay has suggested that maybe there should be a community for mix cd swaps. I think it's a great idea! I also think that rather than having to send out 3 - 4 discs (some to people that aren't sending you one), you should have a mix partner for that swap. That way you only have to worry about burning 1 disc, and the cost isn't as high as if you were burning for many partners.

~ I don't think I've mentioned here, but I'm going to see David Bowie on May 17th. Our seats are incredibly close. 3 rows back, but first row side. So Squee!

~Justin Hayward updated his website. Another one of those dog looks to my man, Justiny Poo. He talked about all sorts of things in his update, one being the reissue of 2 of his solo albums, Songwriter and Night Flight. Both that were supposed to be reissued next week. He assured us they would be out by March. (cough, cough...holding up progress are we now) Guess he decided to go over the liner notes and art with a fine tooth comb, to avoid any hassle.

~Guzzlefish is evil. I know I've said that before, but if you submit a title, it takes forever for them to post it. I'm still waiting on several titles I had to submit because they weren't listed on the site. And I still don't have half of my collection listed because of this.

~Having a huge blow up with a parent or friend is hell on the creativity. Fought with my mum over the Bowie show yesterday. (Too long to go into) Needless to say, I got zippo writing done. Will remedy that today, I hope.

The Wisdom of Writers

Found this on In Other Words and it made me think. (which is sadly hard to do these days) The best words of wisdom always seem to come from writers, so when I speak you should listen!! (hahaha)

The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or perhaps, loved in spite of ourselves.
-- - Victor Hugo

I like this quote. I think this is what people are looking for and perhaps why we can never acheive the supreme happiness, because it's so difficult to find one person that will accept you and still love you for all your faults and flaws.

So if asked, is this statement true, I would say yes. There are very few people out there that don't equate love with happiness. Girls are taught early on by their mothers that life is not complete unless you have a significant other. (a fact I find hilarious in this enlightened time)

I think that the last part of the quote is what keeps people from reaching that happiness. Isn't it so true that people put stipulations on what would make them happy? If only this would happen, I would be happy. Or when this happens I'll be happy. If this would change or this person would change I would be happy. I guess that's why supreme happiness might be unobtainable for most. Would the divorce rate be so high if people actually loved their partners in spite of the other person's faults of flaws.

And isn't it true that the most confident people are the ones that have the most support by their loved ones. So their confidence and happiness comes from knowing that the people that matter love them and care about their choices.

Perhaps its these lucky people that know that family members are usually the only people that love unconditionally. And isn't that what this is really about. Unconditional love = Supreme Happiness.

So my guess is if you can feel the love that a mother and father feel for their children to the person in your life, maybe you'll acheive this happiness. Or perhaps I'm just talking to be heard.

I'm going MIA today or maybe just AWOL

Or possibly just some other freaky letter combinations. Why? I was struggling through Man Out of Time last night, working to get some new pages ready, and the computer crashed, taking all the new stuff with it. My computer is evil. So I'm going to be hiding today, working diligently to get more than 5 pages written, because since January I've not done well at updating the story. I did more in the 2 weeks before Christmas than I've written ever. 80 pages nearly in 2 weeks. I've done 95 pages now in 2 months. I feel ashamed of myself.

I don't know if it's that the story was directing itself then, and there were still ways to go in where I could direct the characters or if I'm just burning out. Anyway I'm going to do better today if I have to shut down all the browsers on my computer and simply stare at the document.

After I've accomplished something useful, I'm going to treat myself to a new mix theme, that I found on a Live Journal community yesterday. It was a Life Soundtrack Mix. It's going to take awhile to come up with but here are the sequences so that everyone can work on their own Life Soundtrack.


opening credits:
waking up scene:
happy driving to school with best friend scene:
dancing around house in underwear scene:
first date scene:
driving at night with crush scene:
post fight with friend scene:
youthful flashback scene:
running around falling in love scene (day):
midnight rooftop dancing scene:
dream scene:
playing at the park in day scene:
quiet driving with friends at night scene:
looking cool scene:
falling in love scene (night):
sweet make out scene:
hanging out with friends scene:
hectic searching beat-the-clock scene:
dance party scene:
sexy make out scene:
tripping on drugs scene:
lying down after intense scene:
driving alone at night scene:
love scene:
early morning tranquil scene:
heartbreak scene:
walking alone reflecting scene:
summer day scene:
regretful flashback scene:
driving with best friend scene:
funeral scene:
nostalgic scene:
crying scene:
mental breakdown scene:
bitter, angry scene:
declaring independance scene:
far from home Scene:
driving at sunrise scene:
space travel scene:
closing credits:

I bet Miss Tay is going to love this one...Have fun with it...and well I'm going to work on the story now.

It's That Time Again

Kymberlie is hosting her seasonal Burn It - CD Swap. I'm really hesitant to sign up this time. Mostly because there's always at least one person that doesn't send out the disc. But hey, it's only a few bucks and I get to torture someone with my creepy taste in music, so in a way, it's kinda good.

So that part I can almost handle, it's just the one stipulation that was added last swap that kind of irks me. Everyone that signs up for this, has to send Kymberlie a mix as well, to keep track of who's sending the mixes and who isn't. Oh yeah, the more people that sign up, the more music, for who? Yeah, I had to gripe. It just seems to me to be unfair, when we're still not sure if any controls are placed on the people that sign up for these.

I was lucky in the Summer edition to have some great CD Swap partners as well as in an off shoot burn done a few months later, called the Quintessential Burn. Some great music was shared both times. I've also gained some great blogger friends that way! I enjoy making mixes, as most of you can tell. It's one of my guilty pleasures in life. I hate to feel taken advantage of though, even if it is over a few dollars. (And yes, I'll likely sign up for this, and yes, everyone that's in my group will get a cd from me, and I'll very grudgingly send Kymberlie hers as well) But I will keep thinking, if 33 people sign up for the Burn-It, that means someone is getting quite a nice chunk of new music, and it isn't me.

I feel bad for griping about this, because I love doing this, but it does leave me feeling taken advantage of.

It Was Just a Cover

My favorite video came on the telly this morning. OK, one of my favorites. I have lots, and yes I know I should step away from the tv, but when it's below the freezing point I find it extremely hard to concentrate on much of anything. Nope not been a lot of concentrating going on here lately.

Well, back to the video at hand, George Harrison's Got My Mind Set On You. This was pretty much Harrison's last hit single from the Cloud 9 record way back in 87. I used to faithfully watch Mtv to see this video that was in regular rotation. Can you believe that? A single released by an artist that wasn't fresh and new being played in regular rotation. Well hold onto your hats kidlets, Mtv used to have a Classic rock hour where they'd play videos by The Beatles, The Doors, The Stones...and yup you guessed it, The Moody Blues. I blame Mtv for my not getting into the Moody Blues sooner. Why? They always played Nights in White Satin on that Classic Mtv show.

Why is this bad? Have you seen that video? Have you seen Justin's hair?

~hides behind the sofa~

But really, there was something special about Got My Mind Set On You. It wasn't even a Harrison song. It was a song written by Rudy Clark back in the 50's. It was a comeback for Harrison who hadn't recorded much since Gone Troppo, around 1982. (which btw is quite a fun and funny album, worth listening to)

It was a song that had a lot of appeal, plus the video was quite cute. It made people stand up and take notice of him again. The world should have done that long before this, when he was recording on a far more regular basis.

He followed up this album, by forming the supergroup, the Traveling Wilburys. The Wilburys' were an impressive line up of artists, which besides Harrison, included, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne. (Ok, Jeff Lynne isn't impressive, but the rest are)

It's funny how some of the biggest hits for some artists are covers. Sadly if you are really into 80's music you won't know George Harrison for classics like My Sweet Lord or even his touching tribute to Lennon, All Those Years Ago, you'll remember this little cover song, that brought him back into the spotlight.



I think this photo sums up the fun and the essence of George Harrison. For some reason, I'm missing his prescence in music more today than usual.

Sharing the Love

OK...doing the Saturday 8 as a late thing this Valentine's Day. I found it very amusing.

saturday-8 :: calling all romantics

1. give us your thoughts on valentine's day ... over-hyped, commercial holiday, or a nice day to share with a 'sweetie?'
Valentine's Day is a good combination of all three. I think it can be a wonderful day to show someone you love that you care, but do you really need a day designated for it? If your single and without a significant other, it's a depressing day and likely you'll see it as over-hyped and commerical. If you have someone, well you'll want to do something with that person. Myself, I see it as a day that causes as much stress as Christmas, and I'm quite glad I'm the most unlovable female on the planet, and will never have to worry about "him" not buying me a present or dumping me right before the holiday.

2. do you have a valentine this year? if so, who is it? if not, who would your perfect valentine be?
Being unlovable I don't have a Valentine...but as for the perfect Valentine...well it's not a hard guess right?





3. this year, my secretary and i do not have valentines, so we're going to get dinner and go hang out at a gay bar together. a friend of mine tsk'd and said, "oh, lonely hearts club, huh?" that offended me, because we're not lonely ... we just don't have a MAN, plus we have each other to hang out with! do you feel sorry for people who do not have a valentine today?
No, not really. No reason too. Some people are single because they want to be. In this enlightened age, having a man or woman in your life is not necessary to fulfillment. I think there are a lot of people out there that have the belief that you can't have a good life without being married, and that's why there are so many failed marriages. Some people aren't meant to cohabitate and be married.

4. my stbx-husband is coming over today to do the things around the house he promised to. he also called to ask if he could bring me lunch. guilt is a WONDERFUL motivator! tell us about something romantic you did because you felt guilty.
Sad to say I can add nothing to this question. I don't believe in guilt.

5. do you have any plans for valentine's day? if you don't, tell us about your perfect valentine's day fantasy.
My plans as I said before were eating chocolate and Chinese food. As for my perfect Valentine's Day fantasy...hmmm...let's just say it involves the man pictured earlier in this post, the rest you don't need to know.

6. i'm going out to the mall today (after i get my chores done, of course), and shopping for a red dress or a red corset-type bustier to wear out tonight. tell us about the hottest vday outfit you can think of for a man/woman (your choice!). and 'birthday suit' doesn't count, people! ;)
I don't know...John Lodge in his leather pants is a quite a sight. Come to think of it Justin Hayward in his leather pants is also quite a sight. So I think you know what my answer is now, right?

7. my friend invited me to TWO weddings today. my friend has her 11th wedding anniversary today. do you think it's a good idea or a bad idea to get married or propose on such a day?
Well, it's kind of trite, but hey, no one will forget your anniversary!

8. there is a lot of debate and discussion about same-sex marriages. san francisco recently married a lesbian couple who have been together for FIFTY-ONE YEARS. do you think that gays and lesbians should be able to share their love and marry just like heteros? be as safe or as controversial in your answer as you like ... this question isn't supposed to bring you flames on your site. i'd just like to know what other bloggers think!
Love actually, is everywhere. Fifty one years is quite an acheivement for anyone and shows an enduring love. I don't see how it could be wrong. Love transcends sex, race and age. Find it where you can!

Happy Valentine's Day

In celebration of the holiday that doesn't have any meaning for me what am I going to do? I'm going to eat some chocolate and have some Chinese food. Then after I do that, I'll probably listen to some sappy music and watch videos.

I will bask in the love of my friends...both at home and online...cos I lurve you guys!!





Though if I would chance to run into any of my celebrity boyfriends/concubines/manwhores, I would have to give them a big Valentine's day .

So watch out, Justin, John and Elvis....I'll be looking for you!!

To the rest of you...Happy Valentine's Day...hope your day is filled with all the sweetness of a big box of Godiva Chocolates. Oh and be careful you don't get one of these in your heart.

It's the Daily Dirt

I've never played this meme before, but since Moody Mistress did, I figured I'd give it a shot.

Daily Dirt

Name a song which�
1. describes how you're feeling right now.
Nowhere Man - The Beatles And I've been sitting in my nowhere land making all my nowhere plans for nobody.

2. tells your lifestory.
On the Outside - Oingo Boingo, it doesn't get any more dead on than this song.

3. enables you to work/study/think better.
You know, that's the one thing music can't do for me. If I like it too much I want to sing along, thus breaking concentration and if I don't like it, it just makes me aggravated, producing the same results. This is the one time silence is needed.

4. makes you wanna kill yourself/someone (other than the artist).
I don't know everytime I hear Celine Dion I want to kill someone...everyone...and Celine too. Same goes for Beyonce and other prefab pop stars.

5. you wanna hear while making sweet lovin'.
Anything by the Cocteau Twins really. Very nice soothing, romantic stuff. Delerium too.

Happy Birthday to Monkee Peter Tork

The seldom heard on record, Monkee Peter Tork turns 62 today.





Go listen to Your Auntie Grizelda in his honor.

Happy Friday the 13th

I've decided today's actually going to be a pretty good day. I turned on Vh-1 Classic this morning and they played Oingo Boingo's Weird Science. I haven't seen that video in ages!! Which was nice, ok it was really nice, and they followed it up with English Beat's Save it for Later. Good way to start the day.

Speaking of which, have you ever had some strange fandoms where liking the band was kinda like this?




Only the devil isn't an artist but a fan that needs some serious help?

Apparently at some point in time, something strange happened to them, perhaps this:





Of course it could also be that they weren't sufficiently medicated.

It could also be other problems, like drinking. That doesn't usually mix well with meds.





Tsk Tsk...

To these people I say . OK, maybe that's too harsh. After all, there would be no one to mock then. Countless hours of amusement would then be gone.

But since it's Friday the 13th I'll be nice. After all this is a great day for the superstitious and the not so superstitious.

The superstitious will be scared of their shadows today, or even small things, like this, while the rest of the world does this, .

No wait they do that tomorrow. That is if they haven't broken up by then, cos after all tomorrow's Valentine's Day and today even though it's Friday the 13th and that should really be far more important, it's also, break up with your insignificant other day, because you were to damn cheap to buy a gift.

So enjoy the better kinda holiday. Don't step on cracks. Watch out for strange men wearing masks. Perhaps maybe watch a good horror movie. My pick? Well I like cheesy horror movies, so I'd go for Blood for Dracula or Flesh for Frankenstein. Sure they are more Halloween type movies, but how many times can we watch the bazillion Friday the 13th films? No don't answer that.