Debussy, Rain, & a Misplaced Homesickness

Many apologies for being so negligent...the external has become a demanding mistress and keeps me away from my more pleasant pursuits of beauty and truth and goodness. 

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However, while I might steal away for yet a moment, I have found for you a song.

Please enjoy Debussy and his lovely/perfect rainy-day accompanying masterpiece that is Arabesque no.1:

Please Enjoy ~ Melody Gardot

...for no particular reason at all, darling...

The Musicbox

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I freed a song from a dusty box
Now a fitting vessel I seek
Feathers made of steel, a key with no lock
Who knew braille could create melody?

Rusalochka || 1968's Soviet-animated "The Little Mermaid"

Today being the day after Valentine's, I thought it fitting that I let you in on a new love of mine: The 1968 Soviet cartoon version of Hans Christian Andersen's, The Little Mermaid.

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 Being previously almost completely ignorant of Russian film Soviet or otherwise, I instantly fell in love with the beautiful animation of Rusalochka (or Pусалочка to be precise) when I stumbled upon it a few months ago.

{warning: potential spoilers ahead}

This version has a lot going for it besides enchanting animation. 

Namely, it is not "Disney-fied".

Staying true to Andersen's original tale, this little mermaid is a ghostly, graceful, sea-nymph who makes a dangerous choice and succumbs to the consequences even in light of  possible "way out". Instead of risking it all to "get the guy", the heroine weighs the cost of love and eventually puts the happiness of others before her own.

 Its portrayal of the ever idolized "true love" is not the exuberant, musical one that most of us knew growing up. Instead, it is a haunting, and at parts downright somber, picture of a steadfast (even if initially impulsive) love that might have cost the mermaid her happiness in the end, but never her goodness.

This is a telling contrast to the much loved Disney version, which twists a very "me-centered" theme into the story: The ends will always justify the means as long as you are following you heart, right? 

And while some prefer their fairy-tales without moral overtones thank you very much, they really miss out on the richness of the very human themes within the original stories.

 1968's Rusalochka, a faithful retelling of Andersen's classic love story, proves that sometimes a quiet resignation in the face of a moral dilemma is a greater testament to love than a "no-holds-barred" approach filled with musical numbers and sassy side-kicks. 

 { .gifs via }

 And because of this {along with its gorgeous animation} it holds a special place in my own romantically-closeted heart. ;)

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|| The original Russian version can be found here, and the English closed caption version  here. ||

And unto us a Child is born, to us a Son is given...

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Oh, come, our Dayspring from on high,
And cheer us by your drawing nigh,
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Oh, bid our sad divisions cease,
And be yourself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

p.s. Merry Christmas to all. ♥

The Stuff of Childhood || Thumbelina

Over the holiday break, while spending time with loved ones, I had a chance to relive my young childhood by re-watching the animated tale of Thumbelina. 

And yes, I did spend the whole rest of the day sneaking up and singing "Let Me Be Your Wings" in many a family member's ear.

I challenge anyone to watch said movie with out doing the same at least once. 

Here are a few stills I caught just for funnzies.
Enjoy the artsy, grainy, kitchy mess:

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Happy post-Thanksgiving Holiday/Black Friday shopping!

~ A Song to Carry You Through the Day ~

"...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, 

whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

p.s. If I could go back and speak with younger me,

I would tell us to be less afraid and also to take the time to master the cello. ^-^

Just Django

Can Gypsy Jazz have a comeback already? I need to feel like I'm on a country picnic at -all times- people...is that so much to ask?

Merry Christmas to all...

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
~
Isaiah 9:6

Let There Be

Play....

...and ponder...

via Christolakis

Attached to rail road tracks...

I'll let the wonderful ladies of First Aid Kit further elaborate for me.