Who, Me?

Has it really been over a whole freaking month since my last post? Obviously, I do not live to blog. And I will admit that this post just *might* coincide with finishing the last available Battlestar Gallactica DVD. Damn obsessive personality.

On a not-so-fun note, I've also been having some trouble with carpal tunnel syndrome, or repetitive stress injury. This makes me pretty unwilling to type in the evenings. I'm trying to find some low-key therapeutic approaches to the problem, but I'm still in pain by the end of the day. Knitting has also taken a hit.

So I'm not gone, just resting. I do plan on doing the next 1% Challenge, and I need to finish my final review from last year. Until then, you can find me in the trashy mystery section of the library.

And if I don't get to it, a Joyous Passover and Happy Easter. Or just enjoy the coming Spring.

Mama has been getting out more ...

but the downside is that my blogging takes a hit when my focus is elsewhere.

As my kids have learned to say ... "Bad Mama." Usually the phrase is uttered sotto voce, but with great feeling.

I'll be back, but right now my new Battlestar Galactica habit calls.

So About Facebook ...

I've been thinking about writing this post for a while. Probably six weeks ago I joined Facebook at the invitation of someone I was in Finland with (we were exchange students back in the stone age). My Facebook experience has snowballed from that initial point of contact, to where perhaps for two whole weeks I was almost paralyzed by the onslaught of reconnections, old friends found, and bridges mended. Frankly, it was overwhelming. Imagine, every day a blast-from-the-past! Blasted indeed ...

I think that I'd mentioned earlier that I'm not your go-to-gal for keeping in touch. Interested in high-school classmates' gossip? I can't help you. Wonder what what's-her-face did after graduation, and did the really smart chick from Art History 100 go on to run Sotheby's? I haven't the foggiest notion. It's not that I don't care ... I just don't invest the energy. This isn't always a good thing, but as I learned over the past month, I use it as a handy filter.

I like to blame my childhood, full of frequent moves and the eventual realization that early friendships are often based on convenience and not true affinity. Where and when I did form deep attachments, I also learned that the inevitable parting was made more painful. But lots of folks have disjointed upbringings, some much more so than I, and they don't cut everyone out as soon as they move on. I wonder if I haven't gotten used to an emotional crutch that allows me to rationalize how I process losses: slowly and imperfectly. I am a bad long-distance friend.

Of course, my willingness to walk away engenders its own deeper loss, or ensures the break I already anticipate. Even when I reconnect, I have very few skills in authentically reforming a friendship. Where do you start when ten, fifteen or even twenty years have passed by? Do you even try? I think that I'd like to put forth the effort, despite my little social handicap. So the past month has been filled with the joy of finding people I have and do care for, as well as the conflicting emotions of insecurity and hope. It's been an unexpected and potentially cathartic experience. Of course, every contact brings with it a potential fresh failure, but that's the "risk-averse" part of me thinking.

Now if only I could stop taking those stupid little quizzes ...

Facebook still has me flummoxed. I really hope I get a second (or third) chance at connecting with a few folks. If not, I'll now know that it wasn't for a lack of at least the most basic of efforts. It's the deeper stuff that might still elude me. That isn't a pleasant thought.

Return of the iPod Convert:The Moth Podcast

So what is it, you say, that possesses one to obtain a much better Internet connection, and then just stop blogging? I don't know, I have no good excuse. Perhaps it's been the siren's call of Facebook, or just a much-needed break. Whatever it was, I'm back.

I had a bad scare a few weeks back when my hand-me-down iPod started acting up. All is well now, except for an added quirk in ending the sync, but it wasn't until I was facing the possibility of going without my iPod that I realized how very attached I've become. I also use it almost exclusively to listen to podcasts.I still include some basic music when I sync, but it's purely for show or emergency no-radio situations. We're heavy on commercial country stations in my neck of the woods, and I'm not a fan.

I have, however, found a few new podcasts of note. A recent favorite is The Moth Podcast, which is like Selected Shorts took a detour through the studio of This American Life and decided to give amateur stand-up comedy a try. In a good way. Now, The Moth significantly predates the wunderkind This American Life, (another home favorite), but I remained woefully under-exposed to it's existence until last week.

The Moth bills itself as a non-profit storytelling organization and sponsor of "StorySlams." I have to say, the stories that I have listened to so far do have a certain what-the-hell, I'm buzzed anyway, I'll just grab-the-damn-mic quality to them. The live storytelling injects an element of risk and adrenaline, in contrast to the This American Life's cool, smooth and hip production style. The stories are a rush, grab you by the seat of your pants, and not for kids. Some of the guest storytellers are very well known, so it's surprising to catch hold of their nervous energy and hear the relief and joy in their voices as they come into the home stretch of an individual piece. I get the feeling that these are the stories that catch a teller by surprise, like when you end a conversation feeling as if it's been cathartic, but you have no idea how you ended up where you did.

Given the political season, my favorite episode so far is the most recent one, Joe Lockhart's "Impeachment Day." I'm also looking forward to Ritchie DiSalvo's "Anthony the Hat." In iTunes you are provided with "clean" and "explicit" coding for each episode ... I suggest you pay attention to this warning if you often travel with young children in the car (and want to avoid trying not to snort your tea out your nose and look disapproving at the same time. For example.) I had been feeling that my podcast playlist was getting a bit stale, and The Moth is certainly freshening it up.

If you enjoy quirky storytelling and don't mind the unpredictable, I suggest giving The Moth a try. Who knows, you might just end up on stage some day, not sure how you ended up there, but jonesing to tell a good story. Hey, it beats karaoke.

Watch Out, World!

I feel like one of those mid-70s ads aimed at women ... you know, green field and sky in the back, arms raised high, stupid grin on my face & jumping for joy. Actually, I think all those ads were for "feminine hygiene products." Never mind.

Anyway, DSL was installed yesterday.

Of course, I was convalescing from the local elementary school plague at the time, but you can't have everything in life, or so I hear.

In honor of our household joining the 21st century, here's a picture of the kids (oh yeah, I'm a mommy blogger!)

I'm a Book Slut

What can I say? Dewey on The Hidden Side of a Leaf is giving away a set of ghoulish books.

Did I mention that I do most of my reading at night?

Maybe I should rethink this giveaway ...

May I Take a Moment to Thank God, My Mother, the Academy ...

Oh, sorry, wrong dream.

From The Hubby this morning:

DSL, DSL, DSL, DSL, DSL, DSL

Next Wednesday between noon and 4:30.

YA HOO!!!!!!!

I think I need a moment to myself here. I feel a bit misty-eyed.

Score!

Hey! I reached 1,000 hits!

Thanks, internets.

iPod Convert: Sequenza21's Listening Room

I've found what I've been looking for. Almost.

I don't have a podcast review for contemporary or new classical music, because I haven't found the music I'm craving in a podcast format. Perhaps it doesn't exist, although given everything else I can find on iTunes alone, I find that hard to believe. I'd started to feel pretty discouraged in my search for free, exciting classical music online, and equally discouraged that the artists that I know must be out there producing innovative and challenging music aren't getting sufficient exposure. However, I just (just!) found Sequenza21's Listening Room wiki, and I think I'm in love. I'm on my third consecutive listen of the second movement of Jason R. Taylor's Four Stories High piece for baroque lute, Toy for Luka. I defy you to listen to these short two minutes of bliss and not want to rush on out and hug your child. I'm restraining myself from listening for a fourth time as I type. Nevermind, I'm listening again. (For what it's worth, the Listening Room lists Puzzle Piece as the second movement, but Jason Taylor's website lists Toy as the second and Puzzle as the third. Puzzle Piece is also very good). Lucky for Mr. Taylor, I'm already happily married and not to good on the whole childbearing front, because I think I'd want to bear this man's children.

I'm new to the wiki format, but the Sequenza21 wiki seems like an ideal format for new composers and artists to promote their music and connect. I'll probably stick with the Listening Room, but some of the other pages are also interesting. At the very least, it is a source to find new artists, and perhaps I can feed my (apparently) odd obsession that way. It lacks the convenience of the podcast, but downloading, converting and importing the mp3s is really only a few extra steps.

I also enjoyed the Basso Moderno Duo's Inspired by Nature. I have yet to listen to Daniel Carr's Some Robots Are Playing the Last Movement of My Piano Sonata, but I'm intrigued. I'd also encourage a stop by the Sequenza21's main page, which looks like a fantastic source in its own right.

I didn't find what I expected to, but the end point of this specific iPod Convert quest was still worth it. I found some other intriguing resources along the way, and I may share them as I have time to explore a bit more. For now, though, I am satiated.

iPod Convert: Gospel Urban Soul

The recent trip to Maine provided plenty of podcast listening time, and my review for this week comes from approximately hour five of our first day's drive. This was not a universally appreciated choice in the minivan, but the dissenters can write their own blogs. Three out of the four of us were awake, and I'm pretty sure I can count on Miss T's vote, as she seems to appreciate a good vibe. My podcast choice for this week is Gospel Urban Soul, presented by DJ Herman MonStar out of Jacksonville, Florida.

I've written before about my love for "dusties" and urban soul music, and also pointed out the somewhat laughable conceit of my being able to speak with any legitimacy to music from the African-American experience. I try to broach the topic with humility and an acknowledgment of my profound ignorance. Good music is good music, and when listened to with a respectful ear and curiosity, I hope I can still learn and appreciate. In this case, gospel music legitimately has its own evangelical agenda, and you can count me among the converted.

I will be frank; Gospel Urban Soul will not be for everyone. This modern, funky gospel music with a distinctly urban twist is unapologetic about praising God and espousing personal salvation. This isn't a problem for me. If I'm listening to gospel music, I expect it to reflect and to present, well, the Gospel. I spent a brief year as a member of a small gospel choir, and although I was young and stupid at the time, the experience is still important to my spiritual formation. My own take on and practice of Christianity may not be the same as everything sung about in modern gospel music, but I think I can benefit from the forthrightness of the music and the witness it offers.

God comes to us in many different ways. If I am shy to shout, "Praise God!", the artists presented by the DJ Herman MonStar are not. And the standard of musicality for artists is high ... not once did I feel bored or as if the music being presented was derivative, even if I personally liked some songs or artist more than others. The selections were joyous, often beautifully sung, catchy and always deeply felt. I particularly liked "I Can Feel Him", by DJ EL from Episode 11. (Although this track did leave the Hubby opening our glovebox on a search for "Jesus in my car." Heathen.)

This isn't a weekly podcast ... episodes appear to come out every three months or so. I certainly hope that DJ Herman MonStar will continue in his efforts with Gospel Urban Soul, and that he and his program enjoy broad distribution. I'm sure that I'm not alone when I admit that I struggle with my faith; I can't say it reaches to the level of wrestling with God as Jacob did, but I walked away for several years, and came back despite myself. Gospel Urban Soul helps to remind me of the joy and profundity of that return, and of the rich diversity of God's grace. From the Gospel Urban Soul website: "The Gospel Music Network plays blazin' hot music from God's gifted and talented recording artists spreading the good news. God's word will nourish your spirit and the music inspired by God will satisfy your soul. You will surely be entertained, encouraged and uplifted. Get ready to experience the next movement in gospel music."

Amen (and thank you).

Why Mama Needs Caffeine in the Morning

I was the world's worst mother this morning. Over breakfast, The Young Man and I had the following conversation:

TYM: Mama, would you vote for Santa Claus?

DM: No, probably not, because he isn't real.

.
.
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Insert horrified pause here as the five-year-old gapes in shock, and I try not to choke on my tea.
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I tried a belated save. A Hail-Mary of sorts.

DM: Well, you know, not real in that "able to run for office" way. He's more of a magical person, and has to remain secret. He's also probably too busy with all the toys, anyway.

TYM: But he is real, right?

DM: Of course, love. Real, but secret.

Like the god-damn magical creatures witness protection program, set up to provide cover for idiot parents everywhere.

On a lighter note, I found yet another reason why the internet is a wonderful place. Behold Yard Sale Bloodbath.