Essil on.

Just enjoy this amazing song. Below are the lyrics and you’ll find a beautiful explanation of the lyrics here. I’ll post more soon about why this song means so much to me.

Essil on
Essil on erifet al
Essil on
Essil on eriftel al
Essil on

I travelled through light
I travelled through light; I am not afraid

Njosnavelin The nothing song. Sigur Ros

New Music Monday

Hey there everyone..

I’ve been listening to some great music lately. So, it seemed only fitting that I would take the time here to try to get you all to listen to some of these fabulous tunes.. Not all of this is new music. Some of it’s old music that’s new to me. Enjoy!

Raising Sand: Robert Plant and Allsion Krauss

I think this album is the kind of music you always want right next to you. It’s reachable, relaxing, and insightful. Krauss and Plant create melody and harmony with easy rhythms and familiar tracks. Even my kids mellow when I play this one..

Favorite track: Killing the Blues

Impossible Dream: Patty Griffin

I like to think that Patty’s music found me. This album is unreal. It’s beyond words.

Favorite track: Mother of God

Children Running Through: Patty Griffin

This one isn’t really new to me. But since I am listening to it in VERY heavy rotation, I thought I’d recommend it. Besides, there aren’t really words for Patty. Her music is just.. transcendent..

Favorite track: Heavenly Day

Let the Woman: Andy Davis

This one really is new to me. Totally blind recommendation. Totally worth it. Davis is another Nashville vocal powerhouse. I’m still discovering this one, but it’s amazing.

Favorite track (so far): Black Keys

So, friends, get out of here and go grab some of this great music!

Happy listening!

Song of the day

More, yes.. More Tony…

Playing catch up..

First of all, before I say anything else. You must, absolutely must go to Matt’s new website.. Now.. Go.. Go on.. I’ll be here when you are done.. Done? Did you really go?? Did you listen to the sample of “Don’t you Dare??” Did you? Did it captivate you? It better have. He’s unbelievable. I run out of words to express my affection for Matt’s creations. You should get his old album, and spend every single day waiting anxiously for the new one like I have. I can’t say enough about Matt, and the genius songwriter I believe he is. Of course, I don’t necessarily intend for this blog to end up about Matt. But if you need even more Matt, you should also visit his blog to see his Vposts, and some really really great samples.. I highly recommend you make yourself familiar with this young man’s name. He’s going to change your life and absolutely change the face of music, I believe. At least for some. Definitely for me..

OK now that I have gotten my Matt adoration out of the way.. I guess I should tell you all about what’s been going on with me. I had an incredible weekend. Here’s a list of the great great things that happened this weekend.. I guess you could call this a “thankful” list..

Dave had Friday off from work
Dave got to study a great deal
Dave got a massage
Dave went out with friends on Friday night.. Had a blast
I went to yoga a lot
I had a manicure and a pedicure on Saturday
Dave cleaned the entire house for me, and did most of the laundry
The car was washed
We went to see Horton Hears a Who (yes it’s awesome go see it!)
We had yummy Mexican food
We had our Sunday Morning Panera ritual today
The kids played outside a lot
I had a “mommy date” with Tori at Chocolata
We had an awesome family dinner tonight (which sadly is a rarity for us these days)
I have sent and received a number of really really wonderful emails with said friend
I got to sleep late (ish) Friday and today
The wildflowers are blooming
The sun was out all weekend
We are all healthy and happy
I feel amazing, happy, and whole
I have time to write this blog
I listened to great music and laughed a lot
Dave had a chance to work on “non school” stuff he’s been wanting to do for ages
The kids played with some friends on Saturday
and lastly, we went grocery shopping and actually had a lot of fun

Not too shabby, huh?? I can’t even express how grateful I am and how badly we needed a weekend like this. I didn’t go to Advanced today. I took a break, choosing instead to hang out with my kids this morning. Funny enough, Jen told me they missed me. I had to laugh, but secretly it made me feel good. I didn’t miss it. I had a blast with my kids and Dave today. I couldn’t have asked for anything else.

I am healing, and loving the process of re-connecting with an old friend. It’s been so wonderful. I have found that time is a funny thing. It changes us all so much. But I think the way we embrace the change makes a huge difference. I am trying to embrace the changes. The changes that come fast or slow. They’re all good, really good. I have to remember that this is the life I have wanted for so long. I have wanted to be this very person all my life. It’s humbling to think it’s happening. I am so grateful.

So, even as the week stretches out in front of me and kind of intimidates me. I have peace, and I feel at rest. I am loved, I have good friends, an incredible family. I have a home, security, an amazing studio to practice yoga at regularly, and more blessings than I could even count. What more could a girl ask for??

Just another bland update.. with a really cool video mixed in..

I don’t really have any good excuse for why it’s been almost a week since I have written a post. So, I guess it’s just being lazy or scatterbrained or busy, or something.. And how sad is it that nothing really exciting or new or different has happened in the past week or so? I guess not so sad, but still.. I never want to come here to write and say, “oh I have nothing to say folks..” That just seems.. sad.

No, nothing new here. It’s been a positively average few weeks. Same old same old. Kids, works, school, yoga, more yoga, grocery shopping, laundry, etc.. Aren’t I exciting? I am also certain you will be positively riveted to know that I cut five inches off of my hair last week. Now the really pathetic thing is that that news may just be the most exciting thing..

Well, before you lose all hope in me and my writing ability, blogginess, and humor I would like to plead my case by saying that I have been listening to some ah-mayyyzing music lately. So my creative brain has not completely shut itself off quite yet. Probably on the top of my list of new finds is the Sergio Mendes album Timeless which I know, I know is not at all new. But it’s new to me and I really like it. It’s a compilation album with so many amazing artists. It’s funky and fresh, and fun. I also found this Tony Lucca “I can I will I do.” Which every single one of you should listen to over and over and over and over and over… Like I have. This is exactly what a love song is. Yes, I know I pimp Tony out a lot, but seriously.. This is worth it.

In other totally riveting news Tuesday was the day of the Texas primaries. Dave and I early voted weeks ago. But Tuesday we did go to caucus (sorry Jess, for the word..) Let’s just say it was quite the experience. And while Obama did not take TX in the polls, he did in the caucus so there’s a lot of hope still. I am still horrified to hear people tell me they did not vote. And can I just say that the things people believe about our fair candidates is also equally shocking to me. These things amaze me for several reasons. First of all, I am not at all that into politics in general. And secondly how can people not want to impact their government? Not voting is shameful to me. Especially here in TX where we had a long time to get it done. I have spent a lot of time lately talking to my friends about the candidates and the election. I find myself getting incredibly annoyed at the indifference. And it’s not even for me that people have different political views. I can handle that. It’s the blatant indifference that heats me up. All I can say in the end is don’t complain to me when you are unhappy with the person in the White House. You can’t complain if you didn’t vote.

Ok with that soapbox behind me I guess I will wrap up this post.  Thanks for reading.. And seriously, go LISTEN to that Tony Lucca song!

Now, GO!  DO IT!

Five albums you must own (or at least listen to..) Mammaren’s five faves of the moment.

Here we go friends.. The five albums getting the most play in my ears lately. All five of these deserve a spot in your iTunes, trust me.

In no (real) particular order.

1. Canyon Songs by Tony Lucca

Tony Lucca is nothing short of amazing and his voice is comforting. Canyon Songs is the perfect album for just about anything and anyone.

My favorite song on the album: So Long

 

2. Unspoken by Matt Morris

If you have been paying any attention at all, you know how much I love this album. You can read my review of it here.

My favorite song on the album: Tie between Eternity and Let Me

3. Futuresex/Lovesounds by Justin Timberlake

I’m not going to mess around and try to hide my love for Jt. I LOVE FS/LS in all its badness. It’s cocky, upbeat and fun to dance to. Way to go Justin.

My fave track: LoveStoned/Think that she knows..

4. Till the Sun Turns Black by Ray LaMontagne

 

I only recently found this one. It’s lovely and strangely classic. LaMontagne’s voice is a classic. Ruddy, deep and haunting.

Fave track: Gone away from me.

5. Red Carpet Massacre by Duran Duran

Who doesn’t love Duran Duran? I was stoked to see this one come out. It’s everything you love about Duran Duran, and more. Great music, great mixing, great album.

Fave Track: Nite Runner

Amazing Good Music Saturday morning..

Well, since I’m on the Music train.. Here’s a few videos of some AMAZING music I’ve been enjoying.. First up, a little jazzy clip from Matt Morris in the studio with Justin and Dave Monsey..

and here’s an amazing clip of Matt singing “Eternity” way back in the day in Cleveland

Second up on my list is a little Tony Lucca. Singing one of MY favorite songs EVER.. Ever..

Now, you can enjoy a little Ernie Halter with Josh Hoge and Trey Lockerbie

Happy listening..

Writing in the right key..

I’ve had this piano for a few weeks now.  It was tuned Monday and I’ve played it every day since.  Today I sat down to play it and felt frustrated, because the stuff I’ve been working on is at a dead end.  I feel like most artists do when they need to grow, but they are just outside of their skill level.  If only I’d paid better attention in music theory or something.  Truth be told I am not a great pianist.  I have never aspired to be.  What I want to be is a great writer, a great creator of music..  My process this week has been equally exciting and exhausting.  Partially due to the material and partially due to my own limitations as a musician.  But I refuse to let that be an excuse for not working hard at what I want.  And I believe that even without the greatest level of skill, our determination can propel us into creative genius.  Some of the best music in the world is beautifully simple.  Not that I am for simple, but it’s not always a bad place to end up is it?

It’s been impossibly cold today.  I hate complaining about this for several reasons.  One, because I have lived with much much MUCH colder weather.  Two, because I always say how much I love winter.  And three. because one day I want to go back to the mountains to live and you can’t have that without the cold.  But today, the cold seems to permeate even my thickest sweater and the warmth of the fire, and the wool socks on my feet.  It’s creeping into my body and it’s so odd.  My house is not excessively cold, really.  I think it’s just me.

I am hoping this week to find my groove..  My “key” to write in.  I don’t know a LOT about composing music..  But I think the right key is important.  And for me, finding the right key to start with is how I find the melody.  I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how different my process has become since I’ve been working through this handful of songs.  Initially it was all lyrics.  I would write, like it was poetry, but no music.  Then I take those words and the melody builds and builds.  Now I’m adding in the music, guitar, piano, my voice.  Not to overuse the Bikram terminology, but “Like a flower petal blooming..”  One piece at a time.  It’s hard at times to trust the process.  Because I want it to come together now, so I can be happy with it.  But the truth of the matter is that creative works take time.  Sometimes you have bold strokes, sometimes you have long nights..  I feel like this whole week has been one long night..

Tomorrow the weekend begins.  Hey, we might even see the sun.  I’m not holding my breath though.  At least I know for sure I have one warm place to go..

Namaste

organic mangoes, perfect melodies, and sweating it out..

I got a craving this morning for mangoes. I have been all over the world and tasted mangoes all over the world The best mango I have had was in Pakistan. In the dead of Summer, it was as red as an apple and I thought I hated mangoes when I tasted it. My life has never been the same. Searching for the perfect mango has been a long time goal of mine. I wasn’t raised loving mangoes. Most of the people in my family don’t like them, so I didn’t get much exposure to them growing up. I believe my mom has a low tolerance for their acidity. Not sure if my sis likes them, but I know Dave doesn’t really care for them. I always find myself wanting to say, “yeah this one is OK, but if you had just tasted that ONE mango, that day in Peshawar…” I am certain the entire population will turn into mango lovers all at once. The mangoes available to me here in S Texas are fairly decent. If you know how to buy them and when. Of course, the organic ones are HORRIFICALLY expensive, but often worth it. But it’s always a gamble, and if you don’t know what to look for you will end up with a rock hard mango for three weeks that all of a sudden just rots in your fruit bowl. And really, who wants that? Since I can’t take everyone with me to Peshawar in July to buy mangoes or even to Nicaragua, I am stuck with what’s available here. The Ataulfo mangoes (the little yellow ones) are a pretty good bet. But I still love those big red mangoes, the ones that are only good when the stem has darkened and you can see orange in the skin. Then, you have the start of a pretty yummy breakfast..

All of my talk about the piano being tuned, and I finally have the melody worked out.. Shhhhh!!! Don’t tell anyone. It’s great, but frustrating all at the same time. To sit in front of the keys. It’s been so long since I have really played piano at all. My arms get so tired so fast..  But it’s all coming together, slowly.  Like a flower petal blooming (sorry Bikram reference..)  But really, it is coming along.  And one day maybe I’ll record just the piano, and then the vocal, then some guitar..  Man, kinda sounds like real music, doesn’t it??  hehe..  too fun..

Yesterday’s morning yoga was amazing.  Almost can’t believe what a difference a day makes.  So much space and movement.  I felt that giddy “I love Bikram Yoga” feeling all over again.  I left tingly and glowing.  Good thing since the weather has been so awful.   I spent a little time in the steam room before class yesterday.  It felt so good, to just sit there and breathe..  Steam, heat, air.  So therapeutic.  Breathing in and out, clean pure steam.  My body relaxed and let go.  Steam rooms have been used for ages for therapeutic and healing purposes.  I used to hate the steam room.  The first time I went in, I thought I was going to die, I felt so claustrophobic.  But lately, it’s my haven.  It’s so hot, so hot.  I love it.  My body instantly releases.  I crave it.  I go to class early to go into the steam room, and sometimes go in after class too.  One day I want one in my house..

I’m looking forward to class tonight.  Now if I could just get some really good mangoes..

Retrospect on Songwriting

I wrote this for Dave for our Anniversary last October. I love the words, and thought I’d post it here. One day I’ll record the music and have it to share. But for now, the words. This was the first song I have ever written for Dave.

Remind Me

 

I can still remember what you said to me
No matter what happens, I’m right here
I can still feel the wind on my face
Reminding me to just let go and feel..

You said to me, take my hand
and you promised me one day I’d understand
so we walked the road to love that others do
finding all long our hopes were true

But I can’t recall, the way we fell in love
Because my heart’s too full to see that far behind me
Help me remember what it was
that opened up my heart and let me see,
that we could be in love

Looking back, I know we’ve made it
I know there’s no way to deny that you love me
But if I can’t remember that day
I still have your arms to remind me.. the way we fell in love

Life had taught me lessons much too young
Loving’s just a game others play
Watching people come and go,
I haven’t learned to fight back the walls

But I walk beside you day to day
and feel the years pass by
So I hope one day we both can see
What other’s can’t deny…

 

But I can’t recall the way we fell in love
Cuz my heart’s too full to see that far hehind
Help me just remember what it was
Forgive me if I can’t recall all the ways
all the ways we fall in love

we can be in love
we can be in love