Alrighty… so today is New Year's Eve. Radio stations are counting down the chart-toppers of 2010, blogs are reviewing their favourite posts of the year and everyone else is making lists of their New Year's resolutions— lose weight, stop smoking, get out of debt. So, I guess it's an appropriate time for me to look back on this year.
I faced some challenges this year, to be sure… and although they were pretty unpleasant at the time (and when I relive them in my head), I think that those obstacles and difficulties have definitely helped me to learn a lot about myself.
I have also been so blessed to have had some amazing experiences this year!
For example, I was able to explore 5 different countries! In January, I visited Shona in Swansea, Wales and my friends Gail and Little in Milton Keynes. In February, I made a return trip to Wales and in May, I went to Paris to see my Mom and Dad! In June, I made a trip to Chatsworth House (home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire), visited Warwick Castle and took a fabulous road-trip through Devon. In July and August, I visited London, Bath, Birmingham, Bangor, York, Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Highlands with Meg, Jay and Mel AND I went on a tour of Ireland with Aussie.
Also, I read a heck of a lot of books (especially when I was in England), including Affluenza, Peter Pan, Anne of Green Gables, the whole of the Chronicles of Narnia, 'The Mitford Girls'… the list goes on.
I was also on BBC Radio 1 twice (here and here), took tap-dancing classes, attended a weekly quiz, joined the University of Birmingham Choir, volunteered at the local Oxfam, became part of a lovely church family at Oasis (including a wonderful small group). I fell in love with a host of UK bands, including Stornoway (whom I later saw in concert in Toronto). I even tried eHarmony… without success.
When I returned home to Canada, I reunited with friends! I found myself a job and then I found myself a different job! I visited my cousins in Ottawa, rediscovered the CBC, enjoyed 3 parades, and donned a moustache for Movember! I joined a running clinic and ran my first 5k race and I attended the One of A Kind Show in Toronto. I even decided to sponsor a child with WorldVision.
It has been quite a year. I finished it off in style— with my family.
On Christmas Eve, Mom, Dad, Jordan and I went down to the Kitchener/Waterloo area to do the Christmas thing with my Mom's side of the family. It is always great to see my aunts and uncles and my cousins and there is always good food. But this year, there were 3 babies to play with! This year, we had a 7 month old little girl, a 1.5 year old cutie ginger boy and an adorable (and rambunctious) 3-year-old. There were also two puppies in attendance— I didn't know what to play with first!
Christmas day— after we unwrapped gifts— we headed up to the Ottawa Valley to do Christmas with my Dad's side. Boxing Day was the big celebration. After church, we headed to my Aunt Karen's house, where I hung out all day with my cousins. I really have missed them! They are all so much fun! I really do thank God for giving me so many awesome people in my family.
Although I do have quite a few things I want to accomplish in 2011 floating around in my head at the moment, I think the only 'resolution' I want to make is to post more on this here blog!
Happy New Year!
12/31/10
12/8/10
Winter Reading
P.S. I am currently reading worldwide phenomenon 'Eat Pray Love', by Elizabeth Gilbert. So far, I have finished the first third of the book, which introduces the depressed, heart-broken heroine and takes us on the first leg of her journey of recovery… through the pleasure she finds in the language and food of Italy.
I am trying to read this book with an open mind, pushing away the skepticism I usually have when approaching something that has acquired world-wide acclaim and a spot at the top of some kind of 'best' list. Like my baby Brother, I'm not usually one to jump on the bandwagon… on second thought, I usually DO jump on the band wagon… just far too late (I started wearing Ugg-like boots years after they first graced the cover of People Magazine, on the feet of some off-duty celebrity).
I am trying to read this book with an open mind, pushing away the skepticism I usually have when approaching something that has acquired world-wide acclaim and a spot at the top of some kind of 'best' list. Like my baby Brother, I'm not usually one to jump on the bandwagon… on second thought, I usually DO jump on the band wagon… just far too late (I started wearing Ugg-like boots years after they first graced the cover of People Magazine, on the feet of some off-duty celebrity).
One of a Kind New Music
Hey there.
So, last Wednesday, I went with my Mom to the One of a Kind Show and Sale, where we wandered around looking at beautiful, useful, weird and mostly hand-made, unique objects. I saw many pieces of gorgeous jewelery that I truly admired… I declined to purchase any of it, however, when I a) saw the price-tag and b) remembered that apart from earrings and the odd ring, I'm not really a jewelery kind of girl. There were also some cozy hand-knit sweaters, elegant one-off dresses and many, many stylish hats that caught my eye as we browsed the goods. I had already finished my Christmas shopping by this point, however, so I didn't really have much motivation to drop my hard-earned cash on expensive clothing, either. But there were some items that I couldn't pass up.
I stopped at the stall for 'Pietersma Tinworks', where I saw some stunning items created with tin. In particular, I found a punched-tin lantern that just sparkled! I reminded me of the many simple, yet festive decorations that I saw when I visited Sweden at Christmas time— the star pattern is a subtle reminder of the season, without being too obvious, like many North American fluorescent Santas. When I got home, I put a little red Christmas light inside. Also at Pietersma Tinworks, I found some great little tea-light holders that transform any Mason Jar into a simple lantern. I bought 3! Finally, my Mom got some 'tin tinsel'— which are really like little silver icicles.
The only other item I bought at the One of a Kind Show is really just the most useful thing for someone who likes to travel as much as I do. It's a fanny pack… but it's not ugly. Nor does it scream 'tourist!'. In fact, I have seen similar purses at one of my favourite leather goods retailers: Roots… except this one cost approximately $30.00 less. You may say 'it's still a fanny pack', but I love it.
Anyways, the rest of my week has been much less interesting… I've been doing lots of errands to get ready for Christmas, a bunch of Christmas baking (2 batched of gingerbread and 2 batched of sugar cookies), and such.
Although, I did run my first ever race! I ran the Santa Shuffle 5km. My hip was a bit sore, but other than that, it went pretty well— especially considering we had quite the hill to climb at one point. I ran it in about 36 mins and 30 seconds. Pretty good for my first try!
Other than that, I've just been working and listening to good music (as always). I have been listening to Stornoway a lot, especially that video that Frank sent along, but I have also been hearing some awesome new (and not so new) stuff on BBC Radio 1 and CBC Radio 3.
Here's some British Music:
Adele's 'Rolling in the Deep'
Here's some Canadian Music:
Bedouin Soundclash and Coeur de Pirate with 'Brutal Hearts'
And here is a highly enjoyable British cover of a Canadian song:
This is James Blake covering Feist's 'Limit to your Love'.
So, last Wednesday, I went with my Mom to the One of a Kind Show and Sale, where we wandered around looking at beautiful, useful, weird and mostly hand-made, unique objects. I saw many pieces of gorgeous jewelery that I truly admired… I declined to purchase any of it, however, when I a) saw the price-tag and b) remembered that apart from earrings and the odd ring, I'm not really a jewelery kind of girl. There were also some cozy hand-knit sweaters, elegant one-off dresses and many, many stylish hats that caught my eye as we browsed the goods. I had already finished my Christmas shopping by this point, however, so I didn't really have much motivation to drop my hard-earned cash on expensive clothing, either. But there were some items that I couldn't pass up.
I stopped at the stall for 'Pietersma Tinworks', where I saw some stunning items created with tin. In particular, I found a punched-tin lantern that just sparkled! I reminded me of the many simple, yet festive decorations that I saw when I visited Sweden at Christmas time— the star pattern is a subtle reminder of the season, without being too obvious, like many North American fluorescent Santas. When I got home, I put a little red Christmas light inside. Also at Pietersma Tinworks, I found some great little tea-light holders that transform any Mason Jar into a simple lantern. I bought 3! Finally, my Mom got some 'tin tinsel'— which are really like little silver icicles.
The only other item I bought at the One of a Kind Show is really just the most useful thing for someone who likes to travel as much as I do. It's a fanny pack… but it's not ugly. Nor does it scream 'tourist!'. In fact, I have seen similar purses at one of my favourite leather goods retailers: Roots… except this one cost approximately $30.00 less. You may say 'it's still a fanny pack', but I love it.
Anyways, the rest of my week has been much less interesting… I've been doing lots of errands to get ready for Christmas, a bunch of Christmas baking (2 batched of gingerbread and 2 batched of sugar cookies), and such.
Although, I did run my first ever race! I ran the Santa Shuffle 5km. My hip was a bit sore, but other than that, it went pretty well— especially considering we had quite the hill to climb at one point. I ran it in about 36 mins and 30 seconds. Pretty good for my first try!
Other than that, I've just been working and listening to good music (as always). I have been listening to Stornoway a lot, especially that video that Frank sent along, but I have also been hearing some awesome new (and not so new) stuff on BBC Radio 1 and CBC Radio 3.
Here's some British Music:
Adele's 'Rolling in the Deep'
Here's some Canadian Music:
Bedouin Soundclash and Coeur de Pirate with 'Brutal Hearts'
And here is a highly enjoyable British cover of a Canadian song:
This is James Blake covering Feist's 'Limit to your Love'.
12/2/10
Success!
So, I was on the Stornoway fan page on facebook and I noticed that one of the Orangevillians had commented. Now, I didn't know any of their names, so it was only by his comment that I recognized him. He said: 'Incredible show in Toronto. Thanks for signing our shoes.' Luckily, I remembered the whole group (except Lisa), showing off their autographed footwear when we were on the subway. I sent him a quick message, introducing myself and requesting that he send me some of the videos he took on Tuesday night.
We exchanged emails and photos and he sent me this video of the first encore, 'End of the Movie'. It's unplugged! Enjoy!
Video courtesy of Frank Myrland! Thanks, Frank!
We exchanged emails and photos and he sent me this video of the first encore, 'End of the Movie'. It's unplugged! Enjoy!
Video courtesy of Frank Myrland! Thanks, Frank!
12/1/10
What you Missed
Now, this video isn't from Tuesday night, but it's a great example of what these guys sound like unplugged! They played this song, 'We Are The Battery Human', unplugged for us on Tuesday:
We Are the Battery Human-- An Evening with Stornoway!
A few weeks ago, I discovered that one of my favourite bands from England—Stornoway— would be playing the El Mocambo in Toronto. I was so excited— especially since I was supposed to see them at Glastonbury in June (but I never made it). I quickly recruited a friend to attend the show with me and i made sure I had the next day off, since I knew it would be a late night. Unfortunately, it's cold season, and my dear friend was unable to join me as she was stuck at home in bed, feeling very ill. But I would not let this minor setback keep me from seeing the band whose beautiful melodies and story-telling lyrics I had so often sang aloud in my tiny Renault Clio on the windy, one-way streets of Birmingham, Devon and the rest of Britain.
Why do I love this band so much? Their music is just so beautiful! Some of their music is thoughtful and sensitive, like their folksy ballad 'Fuel Up', which comments on our journeys through life and our perception of how much control we have in our fates. Some of their other songs are perfect for running— with a lively rhythmic beat that gets my heart pounding. And having grown up on my Dad's Rock and Roll, I really love the electric sound of 'Watching Birds', which really hearkens back to the classic rock of the 1960's in England. But besides the catchy melodies of their music and undeniable talent of every musician on that stage, Stornoway's songs also catch hold of me with the poetry of their lyrics. Just look at the lyrics for 'Boats and Trains'! I especially like the last phrase of the song: 'Destined to go nowhere by the fear of unrequited love.' I also love the commentary offered by 'We Are The Battery Human':
'Cause we need to fix out loose connection.
Out in natural World Wide Web.
Where humans evolved in three-dimention.
We were tuned in by natural selection.
And we need to go online each day.
But inside we don't get no reception.
So join the new revolution, revolution!
To free the battery human.'
Gorgeous.
Anyways…
After several fruitless attempts to rustle up some company for the evening, I made my way downtown, first by car, then by subway. I had read online that the venue opened at 8:00… but when I arrived, at 7:50, the street was still deserted. I wasted some time by enjoying a coffee and wandering up and down quite a sketchy stretch of Spadina… only to discover that the venue didn't open until 8:30… at which point they still weren't letting anyone in. I gathered with some fellow Stornoway fans behind a velvet rope and we watched the members of the band congregate on the sidewalk, gazing up at the CN Tower. They soon went off to find some dinner, while we filed into the bar, paid our cover and had our hands stamped.
Originally, I was under the impression that Stornoway was the opening band at this gig, but it turns out, they were the headliner! So unfortunately, I had to stand through an hour or so of another act that wasn't really to my taste. When the first band finished, I quickly grabbed a spot right at the front of the stage, before the crowd pushed in behind me. Band members began setting up their stage, tuning guitars and testing mikes and pedals and such. A couple of them looked surprised at the size of the crowd.
The show began with a lone violinist, who played a haunting intro before the rest of the band joined him for 'Coldharbour Road'. After the second song in the set (I think it was 'Long Distance Lullabye'), Brian Briggs, the lead singer, seemed confused that so many of their fans were singing along. He asked 'How did you hear about us?' I shouted back 'I lived in England!', while the rest of the crowd offered their own explanations. He went on to mention that their last gig was a little lacking.
I stood, dancing and clapping along to every song. It was such a treat to see these talented musicians perform live! They were note-perfect! They played all their big hits, including 'Here Comes the Blackout' and 'I Saw You Blink'. One of my favourite moments of the night was when the band began to play 'Zorbing' and the crowd sang along to every word. I stole a glance at bass player Ollie Steadman, who seemed to be a little overwhelmed that this Canadian crowd (who was supposed to not have heard of them) was singing along so enthusiastically. He was a bit teary-eyed.
We were also treated to two tracks that aren't on the band's album, 'Beachcomber's Window Sill', including a song called 'Beachcomber's Window Sill' and a Welsh folk ballad.
When Stornoway left the stage, the crowd continued to scream, shouting 'Encore! Encore!', creating a deafening din. Eventually, Brian, Ollie, Rob, Jon, Adam (the trumpeter) and Rahul (the violinist) filed back on the stage to play two songs unplugged! I couldn't believe how quiet the crowd was during 'End of the Movie'! We all joined in on the chorus to 'We Are The Battery Human', applauding and cheering loudly at the end.
I made my way to the edge of the stage to meet the band. I was able get my picture taken with Brian, Jon, Rob and Ollie! I chatted to Brian a bit about how the tour was going. He told me that they had had some similar crowds in other cities, but he was very surprised that they had a fan base in Canada. I got to chat to Ollie too (he's the tall, blonde, cute one). We talked about England and how Birmingham and Coventry aren't the country's most beautiful cities. We talked about festivals, too. Ollie told me that another band that are similar to them in style are 'The Villagers', who I checked out (actually, I unknowingly already had this band's 'Becoming a Jackal' on my iTunes… must have been one of those free iTunes songs). They were both so humble and lovely to chat too. I hope they come back and play Toronto again!
In addition to meeting the band, I also met a group of fellow music lovers from near Orangeville. Unfortunately, I had to make a hasty exit from the subway, so I neglected to get any of their names (except for Brad and… Lisa, I think) or email addresses . So, if you are in that group of Orangevillians, and you would like to share some of your videos from that night, please contact me! In an effort to reach these guys, I have tagged this post with anything I can think of that they might one day google.
Why do I love this band so much? Their music is just so beautiful! Some of their music is thoughtful and sensitive, like their folksy ballad 'Fuel Up', which comments on our journeys through life and our perception of how much control we have in our fates. Some of their other songs are perfect for running— with a lively rhythmic beat that gets my heart pounding. And having grown up on my Dad's Rock and Roll, I really love the electric sound of 'Watching Birds', which really hearkens back to the classic rock of the 1960's in England. But besides the catchy melodies of their music and undeniable talent of every musician on that stage, Stornoway's songs also catch hold of me with the poetry of their lyrics. Just look at the lyrics for 'Boats and Trains'! I especially like the last phrase of the song: 'Destined to go nowhere by the fear of unrequited love.' I also love the commentary offered by 'We Are The Battery Human':
'Cause we need to fix out loose connection.
Out in natural World Wide Web.
Where humans evolved in three-dimention.
We were tuned in by natural selection.
And we need to go online each day.
But inside we don't get no reception.
So join the new revolution, revolution!
To free the battery human.'
Gorgeous.
Anyways…
After several fruitless attempts to rustle up some company for the evening, I made my way downtown, first by car, then by subway. I had read online that the venue opened at 8:00… but when I arrived, at 7:50, the street was still deserted. I wasted some time by enjoying a coffee and wandering up and down quite a sketchy stretch of Spadina… only to discover that the venue didn't open until 8:30… at which point they still weren't letting anyone in. I gathered with some fellow Stornoway fans behind a velvet rope and we watched the members of the band congregate on the sidewalk, gazing up at the CN Tower. They soon went off to find some dinner, while we filed into the bar, paid our cover and had our hands stamped.
Originally, I was under the impression that Stornoway was the opening band at this gig, but it turns out, they were the headliner! So unfortunately, I had to stand through an hour or so of another act that wasn't really to my taste. When the first band finished, I quickly grabbed a spot right at the front of the stage, before the crowd pushed in behind me. Band members began setting up their stage, tuning guitars and testing mikes and pedals and such. A couple of them looked surprised at the size of the crowd.
The show began with a lone violinist, who played a haunting intro before the rest of the band joined him for 'Coldharbour Road'. After the second song in the set (I think it was 'Long Distance Lullabye'), Brian Briggs, the lead singer, seemed confused that so many of their fans were singing along. He asked 'How did you hear about us?' I shouted back 'I lived in England!', while the rest of the crowd offered their own explanations. He went on to mention that their last gig was a little lacking.
I stood, dancing and clapping along to every song. It was such a treat to see these talented musicians perform live! They were note-perfect! They played all their big hits, including 'Here Comes the Blackout' and 'I Saw You Blink'. One of my favourite moments of the night was when the band began to play 'Zorbing' and the crowd sang along to every word. I stole a glance at bass player Ollie Steadman, who seemed to be a little overwhelmed that this Canadian crowd (who was supposed to not have heard of them) was singing along so enthusiastically. He was a bit teary-eyed.
We were also treated to two tracks that aren't on the band's album, 'Beachcomber's Window Sill', including a song called 'Beachcomber's Window Sill' and a Welsh folk ballad.
When Stornoway left the stage, the crowd continued to scream, shouting 'Encore! Encore!', creating a deafening din. Eventually, Brian, Ollie, Rob, Jon, Adam (the trumpeter) and Rahul (the violinist) filed back on the stage to play two songs unplugged! I couldn't believe how quiet the crowd was during 'End of the Movie'! We all joined in on the chorus to 'We Are The Battery Human', applauding and cheering loudly at the end.
In addition to meeting the band, I also met a group of fellow music lovers from near Orangeville. Unfortunately, I had to make a hasty exit from the subway, so I neglected to get any of their names (except for Brad and… Lisa, I think) or email addresses . So, if you are in that group of Orangevillians, and you would like to share some of your videos from that night, please contact me! In an effort to reach these guys, I have tagged this post with anything I can think of that they might one day google.
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