original poem

pitter pattering paws 

plopping down in the white

gleaming suns reflection

as walking hands are held

lovers warm embrace

snow all over the face 

kissed away by tender lips

as the snow keeps falling down


smiles reach their peak 

while the dogs pitter patter

though moments in the snow

quickly start to end

they last lifetimes upon

the dreary tender lawn of our imaginations

if only one more day 

we could go out and play

alice in wonderland...cinematic perfection at its finest

For those of you who know me, you know that I am rarely lost for words.  I generally always have something to say, about anything. Some see this as a flaw, some see it as me just being "colorful".  However you see it, I have to tell you.....I was just lost for words after walking out of the "Alice in Wonderland" theater.

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland is probably one of the best movies of all time.   It encompasses the essence of a true magical adventure.

From the moment Alice falls down the rabbit hole to the minute she drinks the Jabberwocky's blood you are completed captivated and truly feel you are in Wonderland.  This is partially due to the incredible casting talents of Tim Burton.  

Mia Wasikowski plays Alice with an endearing amount of bluntness mixed with impeccable grace- matched greatly by the awkward, cunning but extremely compassionate Mad Hatter portrayed by none other than Johnny Depp.   This duo has many scenes together and even amongst the action and adventure we see their relationship as well as their characters flourish.   By the end of the film I was almost positive in my mind that in some way, shape or form The Mad Hatter was Alice's father in disguise....despite what others might say about their relationship having a less-than-platonic nature I am going to stick with my first thought and say that I truly believe throughout the film he was definitely in the very LEAST, the closest thing Alice had to a father figure in a very long time. 

Our next unlikely duo are The Red and White Queens- portrayed by Helena Bomam Carter and Anne Hathaway.  This is brilliant casting in my opinion because these two actress' are probably two of the most different organically than any women out there.  Hathaway carried her self as if she was floating the entire time, while Carter was basically a midget more-bitchy version of herself (PERFECT).   The two separately were so quirky and it was truly a great moment when they eventually met in the end. Good really did triumph over evil in every way possible, and even though The White Queen would never harm another living thing, she certainly was not light in her punishment to her evil older sister.

The special effects were seriously Lord-of-the-Ringsesque.  All the magical creatures they encountered just brought more magic to the screen (The Cheshire Cat and The Caterpillar in particular). I finally felt that technology has come close to being up to par with the mind of Tim Burton.   Of course everything Tim Burton thinks let alone directs is pure gold--but Alice in Wonderland has the spark that will most definitely shine long into the future... I may even go so far to say that it is "The Wizard of Oz" of the 21st Century.  

Many directors could have used special effects, great actors, and a good screenplay to their advantage to create something "epic" but the reason that Tim Burton's work is a true masterpiece is because he worshiped Lewis Carroll and his poetry about The Jabberwock.  Having this poem being the underlying subtext to the entire movie is what made it great.  The poem is haunting, and that feeling was with Alice throughout the entire movie.  When Alice realized in her heart that it was her destiny to fight The Jabberwork was when Burton reached true creative possibility by capturing not only his own imagination but Carroll's as well.  Only Tim Burton could reach through time and take a piece of the past  and make it into a work not only for the future, but for the ages.

"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!

The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!

Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun

  The frumious Bandersnatch!"

He took his vorpal sword in hand:

Long time the manxome foe he sought --

So rested he by the Tumtum tree,

  And stood awhile in thought.

And, as in uffish thought he stood,

The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,

Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,

  And burbled as it came!

One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!

He left it dead, and with its head

  He went galumphing back.

"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?

Come to my arms, my beamish boy!

O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'

  He chortled in his joy.

Age can be beauty...

So last night I attended The Puccini Foundations "Opera Night" at an Italian Club called Columbus Foundation Club in Manhattan. I went into the evening thinking I was going to drink some fine wine, have a few laughs with my dads boss, and see a full opera but I have to say the night was very different than I thought it was going to be.

We got there and this is what we saw.... I couldn't believe my eyes how beautiful the place was...This is the room the reception was in...

This is the Italia-themed restaurant that is downstairs in the club.  It is VERY exclusive to have dinner there.  I was lucky enough to be able to go down there at the end and have a drink.  

Lastly, this is the GORGEOUS room we had dinner in.  You can't see it too well in this picture BUT the carvings on the wall are all very unique, and quite impeccable.

There were three young singers performing selections from Verdi's La Traviata.  I have to admit, though I know alot of the music, I had never really studied the story before and after last night it is most definitely in my reading list.   We heard several selections from the first two acts of La Traviata, then had a lovely meal.  After eating, we watched the third act on a DVD from the 70's starring Placido Domingo and Teresa Strada.  After the DVD was over we heard the final duet between the lovers then went onto the dessert course.  Though it was not a full opera (as I expected)  it was a very incredible night.  The mood was just right, the company was splendid, and the food and entertainment was pretty divine.  I really ought to write a "Thank you" letter to the club and the founder of the Puccini foundation, Licia Albanese.

Licia Albanese was born on July 22, 1913  (For those of you who are calculating that in your head right now, she is almost 97 years old.  She performed at The Metropolitan Opera for over a quarter of her life and she has performed the role of Violetta more times than ANYONE in the entire opera world.  I just discovered her yesterday, and I cannot stop listening to her on youtube....

 That is her from back in the day ..  Even though she is almost 97 years old I encountered first hand yesterday that she still knew every single note, rhythm, and line from "La Traviata".  As the young singers performed, it didn't matter if it was Violetta, Alfredo or Giorgio singing you heard the still beautiful Licia Albanese singing along like she was performing herself. It brought tears to my eyes, and joy to my heart to see that music, and opera was still living inside this woman every moment of her 96 year old life.  I truly want to be like her one day.

   

Off Topic but Lady Gaga's father is a member of the club in addition to Licia.

Its pretty amazing how talent congregates in the same place now isn't it?  Lady Gaga could be the "Licia" of pop music 70 years down the line...we'll just have to see.


Well until next time.  I'm home again, studying large amounts of World Music for my Midterm that is in less than two weeks now.  Wish me Luck.

a beautiful flower, plucked from the vine

Flowers taken before their time, but beautiful none the less. Oh the wonderfulness of nature...

Cloudy with a chance of puppies...

Below are the three most beautiful dogs in the world. Apollo, Athena, and Zeus. My babies..

My home away from home...

Why can't I be here? :(

a melancholy state of mind...the connecticut chapter...

Don't you all wish you had a friend you could walk for hours with while listening to music, never saying a word but enjoying each others company all the same. Welcome to my wonderful day, with my best friend, Caitlyn.

It's spring break and I adore being home. I'm going to the city tomorrow for a night, and like though I'm excited about the company I will be with I'm really going to miss my puppies and being in Connecticut. I love the woods. Sometimes I tire so much of the busy, NYC.

Though I love it there, I love being home more. And I love my wonderful dogs.... They are the bestest dogs in the whole wide world. Well anyway, I'm going to try to update more.

Since my breakup....i've decided I'm trying to find Oz. I know you might think I'm crazy but when I was younger I read L. Frank Baums' writing almost everyday. I own almost every book of his, and it was truly the first time that i could escape into a magical world. I love the idea of magic, and sometimes I really feel like Dorothy...except I'm not IN Oz.....but I desperately want to be. Well on that note....till next time <3

Hello Summer!

So I'm at my house in Connecticut.  School is OVER! YAY!  I'm living in New York City this summer and I'm super excited.  I've never lived in Manhattan in the summer- there are so many amazing opportunities.  

 

We have new puppies!  Their names are Zeus and Athena.  They have join Cleo and Apollo in the furry-friend department.  Here they are...

I love them so much! :)  They are so adorable...

I sung at Church today an amazing song called "God Speaking".  I originally heard Mandisa sing it- she's phenomenal.   Well that's all for now.  I'll hopefully update alot more frequently since it's summer!

Best to you all!

N

My Girls

So after watching Sex and the City the Complete Series I really cherish and value the girlfriends I have in my life.  And I really need to reach out to them more.  Though we are all in different places in our lives and unfortunately different locations I know we are always there for each other.  I need to remember that. We're still young- as long as we keep in touch now, who knows where we will be in 10 years.  It just sucks not being able to go out for coffee and have girl talk when ever we want.  We have to deal with away messages, answering machines and weeks without a word from each other.  But in the end I know we'll all be stronger for it :).

Growing up too fast...

Hello is anybody out there??

I'm in Boston right now.  History test went very well- I am happy with my grade...I worked hard and it paid off- in a good way.  Today I bought two really cute summery shoes.  I thought it was time for something besides my black jcrew flip flops and my payless ballet flats...so I got two pairs of shoes from GAP.  One gold pair of sandals and one pair of silver ballet-flats that are very cute and summery.  I love shopping...especially when things are on sale like they were today.  I also bought cute lingerie- I think the boy will approve :)

Over the past few weeks I've realized that I really should thank my parents for the way that they raised me.  Childhood is sacred and growing up too fast is something that is happening oh-too-much in society today.  I'm really glad I was the loser in high school because it made adult things all that more special and perfect.  And I am a better person for it.  And I am going to raise my child(ren) one day the same way that my parents raised me.  Because I know it was the right way.  I get shit for saying that- and I really don't mean to be conceded, bitchy or anything.  I just look around me and see the way different people behave.  There are extremes of course and I believe my parents raising me leaning more to the conservative side but not right-wing nut jobesque is the RIGHT way to do things. :) Again childhood is scared and every child should have one that is lengthy and full of innocent and fun.  I really ought to thank Mr. and Mrs. Gerbera Daisy. :) Love you guys more than anything.  

So I suck at updating this...but I will try harder for sure.   I'll be on a bus from like 8:30PM tonight until 2AM so maybe I'll write an entry and post it in the morning.  Hopefully we'll get back to NYC in one piece.  I'm going apartment hunting this week trying to figure out life for next year. 

Till next time all!

Work, Work, Work...

Hello fellow blogspotters?? Anyone there?

Today I have done nothing but work.  I've also fell in love, with Shosta and Proko.  No Tim I'm not cheating on you, don't worry.  I'm referring to Shostakovich and Prokofiev.  I have quite alot to learn about them for my test and I've been listening to their music today and I have to say, quite exceptional. 

I love finding new composers that I really truly enjoy.  Speaking of, Milhaud is amazing...his La Creation du Monde is like sex...only better, well not really...different.  But amazing, if I haven't emphasized that quality already.  :)

I'm sure this entry is a relief to those of you who read my short-story on Sex and the City from yesterday.  Speaking of the lovely show, I am ordering the rest of the seasons tomorrow.  I'm so excited, I can't wait to see the rest of them! :)

I have to say, I really enjoy blogging....I learn alot about myself reading my own writing.  I use to think I was a horrible writer and couldn't even string two words together.  But in writing more and more I have discovered that this is untrue.  And I'm glad. :) I really didn't not want to be labeled as a retarded singer.  I didn't really think I was, but I am glad I am not all the same. 

I have Catherine Malfitano's Performance Class on Monday and I've done massive amounts of prep over break for it so I'm very excited.  I hope I give an impressing and honest performance. I think I will, if I'm not too tired from studying that is.  

Till next time all :)

Sex and the City...

Hello Everyone and Anyone! :)

So today, when I was suppose to be studying for my 20th Century Music History Test (Yes, that is still going on...it NEVER ends), I watched about seven episodes of Sex and the City.  Can I just say that is has turned into my favorite show over the past month.  It has dethroned the magnificent Gossip Girl and taken the crown.  Though, there is a new GG on Monday that I'm immensely excited for :).  

I realized that every woman would love to be the beautiful Ms. Carrie Bradshaw. To write your own column on the most riveting subject out there-sex, for a renowned newspaper, have a mysterious gorgeous business-man and the perfect boyfriend both after you thinking you're the girl for them, to have the best gay-husband in the world,  the three-best girlfriends who are there for you no matter what and with whom you have the best times with, a closet that even a celebrity would be content with, and the perfect apartment on the upper-east side of Manhattan.  Being the main character, you always feel an inkling of sympathy toward Carrie no matter if she is in the wrong or the right-and she is the kind of woman that many of us aspire to be.  She has her flaws as anyone does, but that makes her even more real and believable.

I find a bit of myself in each of the characters.  I think that is why this show has been such a success.  It reaches out to women of any age showing that it is ok for you to be sexual and care about your own sexual pleasure.  It was the beginning of the "women having sex like men" era-that is still out there today.  If it's ok for men to be like that, why can't women be?  It shows the power that women have in our society and how it is a force that can truly not be reckoned with.

It just really amazes me every time that I watch it how I connect to at least one event going on in each episode.  Samantha's character is so witty and doesn't care what people think of her regarding her sexuality.  I really respect that, because I know how it feels to be judged by good friends of yours regarding your sex life.  Even if I am one of the most conservative people regarding sex (only being with one person, the love of my life, my serious boyfriend- fiance/husband to be one day) my one friend always has a judgmental comment or issue with it. And quite frankly, it is because she is jealous because of being so brainwashed she can't even comprehend different opinions and choices, opinions and choices she might even enjoy better than her current repressed fake-ones.  Though I am not as sexually-open and liberal as Samantha regarding sex and my friend is not nearly as sexual as Charlotte (Samantha's friend who constantly judges her), the topics and results of the fights are very similar as my friend and I.

Even though I spoke mostly of Sex and the City in this post I did make a few excellent points I believe about friendship and the power of women. On this blog I will write about how I feel things in my life correspond to events on Sex and the City.  It of course won't be all of it...I'm not that shallow. But, I will talk about the show, because I think it is very realistic and shows the struggles women go through in life,  in dealing with men, their ever-so-complicated sex lives, and the struggles to be heard and respected. 

Till next time all :)