Profound And Secular Stuff

Sandy Denny: New book!

2012-01-31T20:56:00.000+01:00

Sandy Denny: New book!: Early news of my forthcoming book about Sandy: Philip Ward Sandy Denny: Reflections on Her Music Matador Press Publication: 7 December 20...

Sea Lavender...

2011-10-28T14:34:00.002+02:00

... still blooming!

Sunflowers...

2011-09-30T11:31:00.002+02:00

... and your face fascinate me!

And I said "Lily, oh Lily I'm so afraid..."

2011-09-23T12:48:00.001+02:00

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet...

2011-09-09T10:45:00.002+02:00

... and still look as awesome as ever!

From now on... Friday is Flowerday!

2011-09-02T12:07:00.003+02:00

First one is Passiflora caerulea, the flower which is reminiscent of the passion of Christ..., the thorny crown and the three nails by which he was crucified.

Nationale Dag Tegen Homofobie...

2011-07-02T09:35:00.002+02:00

Zaterdag 2 juli · 14:00 - 17:00
Vrijdagmarkt Gent

Ben eens benieuwd...

facebookpagina

Seven days, seven pictures...

2011-06-19T10:04:00.010+02:00

Is this France? Really? Looks a lot like Angkor Wat or something...

Laon with its amazing cathedral with its amazing tower with its amazing animals!

Jesus on one of the many cemetries we visited... By the way, look at that divine blue!

Pierrefonds... one hell of a castle, Walt would've enjoyed himself here.

Soissons where just the front facade of this old abbey survived the ages. One would almost be afraid to enter.

And then there was the sleeping village of Septmonts, luckily it had this wonderful fairytale like donjon.

And here's an Escher like inside of a church, this one's located in Compiègne

2011-06-18T18:14:00.004+02:00

Vandaag zijn we Dries en Tine van Cie De Knor en de Bie spreekwoordelijk gaan uitzwaaien. Zij vertrekken voor onbepaalde tijd naar Zuid-Frankrijk alwaar zij het agrarische leven in al z'n biologisch-ecologisch gebeuren zullen proberen waarmaken... En aangezien ze niet alles kunnen meenemen, hielden ze ook een rommelmarktje, vanwaar hier getuige door middels van onze oogst! We zullen het nooit afleren...

Blue

2011-05-20T11:03:00.004+02:00

I went to Brétigny and I saw...

2011-04-28T18:26:00.003+02:00

... the ceiling in our livingroom
... light on the floor of a cathedral
... medieval floors
... light on the floor of a castle
... part of the headboard of our bed
... beautiful walls in a church

Brétigny!

2011-04-16T09:02:00.002+02:00

today we're off ...

At Last

2011-04-15T09:33:00.002+02:00

Must blog more often!
Background of computer at work...

Pot Couvert

2010-11-16T11:53:00.000+01:00

I went to France and I brought back...

2010-08-14T08:44:00.002+02:00

A large tablecloth with matching napkins!

Two leafy dishes to be used as ...euhm...euhm... (I will find a purpose!). By the way, I found them at a marché aux puces for scratch!

When we arrived in Mâcon we finally found a cd-shop!

Two turtles, one I bought, one i got from Noa, my godchild who went with us to France!

Prayerflags bought at Le Temple des Mille Bouddhas .

Aaaah! Mireille l'Abeille et Léon le Bourdon!

Two books bought at the local Auchan.

Mustard and preserved lemons.

Moving days...

2010-06-22T16:34:00.001+02:00

... are over! Let the unpacking begin!

Saturdaymorning

2010-05-08T10:44:00.002+02:00

Saturdaymorning... As movingdays approach boxes full of stuff seem to take over the livingroom... Mr. S is drinking coffee and reading his 'Dear Fatty' while Poeske Kom is watching him... Let's begin the Moving Days!

Merrie Amsterburg

2010-04-13T23:17:00.005+02:00

Anyone knowing me even just a little knows I'm too often smitten by music. Often led by this huge urge to discover, to know, to fall into music as a divine art. Music as a way to express feelings rather than a way to make money. Music as a way to express a pensive mood rather than a joyfull experience where people meet at festive dance occasions. Music kept a little more introspective rather than shouting just to be heard. Less is more is probably a credo for my true heroes in music... Jane Siberry, Sandy Denny, June Tabor, Mary Coughlan, Patty Larkin... They're in it for the music, and in my opinion don't care about looks and images. (ofcourse they do, I'm not thàt silly, but it seems it doesn't hold pole position in their careers).

Jane Siberry... My (musical) heroin.

I honestly know of no wrong song, note, lyric in her own specific natural way she does her thing the last 30 years. I adore her legacy (hence my tattoo).
oh... by the way... this press photograph of this 50 year old woman... not exactly made to sell? No? Yes?

Sandy Denny... Died to young.

You should google her. She's just great. Just Sandy. Genuine. Just Sandy. Honest. In every word Sandy. In every note Denny. Sandy Denny died too young, age 30.

June Tabor... Mistress of old and new school folk.

Sweet sweet June. Anyone who has heard June Tabor won't forget her, whether that is a positive or a negative thing. She leaves impressions. On me a huge humbling one. In awe. Jaw dropping. Seen her live now about eight times. If she performs tomorrow I'll go. If she performs the day after, I'll go again.

Patty Larkin... A day in Boston is called 'Patty Larkin Appreciation Day'... Well done Patty!.

Beyond category, Patty does what she does. Her own thing, with a very own sound. Vocally raw and human. Love the angel(ic) motive through her work. A very distinctive guitarplayer, but not a show off.

It's through Patty Larkin I stumbled upon Merrie Amsterburg.

Merrie Amsterburg... Three albums, too less albums.

I've been listening to all three albums few last weeks, and I'm so smitten by her I came to realise she's a stayer.
Want to shout: MERRIE! MERRIE! MERRIE!...
But... will anyone listen?

Sure, I like Annie Lennox, Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell, Natalie Merchant, Suzanne Vega, Dolly Parton, and so on, and so on, and so on... Sure I like those too. Me and my singing harem. They're part of my wardrobe.
But the hidden gems... wish I knew what's my part in the show 'How to help them get out there in the most spectacular way ever!'...

Brussels, El Greco and Antoine.

2010-03-12T11:04:00.004+01:00

Yesterday we went to Brussels to the El Greco Exposition at the Bozar.
Needless to say it was worth the trip, the cold and the queueing up to get in. Even the lady who thought she could go before her turn, then adressing us in an arrogant way when we said something about it... well she too was soon forgotten once we stood before the amazing work of Domenikos Theotokopoulos, aka El Greco.

One of the Apostels (Saint James), part of a wonderful serie of paintings around Christ and his twelve merry men.

Some wobbly bishop.

Another apostle, Saint John.

Afterwards we went to eat something at this café.

Then we took a taxi to the Anton Wiertz Museum in the Wiertzstraat.
Behind this gate lies one extravaganza beyond words...

As it turns out, this is supposed to be his most famous painting, and probably a good summary of his work: very well painted, full of skill and horror.

His selfportrait.

His deathmask.

And here are some views of the main hall...

So, now, everyone go to the Antoine Wiertz Museum! (did I mention it's for free?)

Three things to look forward to...

2010-03-09T11:00:00.004+01:00

New harvest...

2010-03-02T23:24:00.002+01:00

It wasn't the dog. Nor was it a new wind... It was simply the mailman who brought this new harvest into this home... Glad. Yep I am!

One month to go...

2010-03-02T11:32:00.005+01:00

It looks sunny...

Houffalize

Station

2010-03-01T16:43:00.001+01:00

I like this...
It's a station with just one railway. How does it work? Is it part of a loop? Is it possible you can only leave? Or only arrive? Do trains ride in both directions?
I need to know...

Bearenske...

2010-02-28T11:06:00.004+01:00

Pussman is organising a giveaway, and the beauty to be given away is this little bear...

Should I win it, I'd keep it aside for this little beauty, my godchild Renske...

I'd keep it aside till she reaches an age at which she could appreciate the beauty of a blue and yellow bear...

Bloody Mary

2010-02-19T00:53:00.004+01:00

Look what arrived today!
Well... actually it arrived yesterday, but I wasn't home when the mailman rang my doorbell (or did something at my door). So today, just before work, I went to pick up a parcel at a local bookshop which also serves as a postalservice... And yes! It was Bloody Mary! Can't wait to start reading (coz I think it will be dead funny and heartbreaking...)

Patty Larkin 25

2010-02-18T11:53:00.002+01:00

Patty Larkin... It's a shame she's so little known...

Specerijen

2010-02-16T16:24:00.003+01:00

Bought this book today while shopping for food...
(which reminds me... must buy new bookcase... perhaps bookcase only for cookbooks... a cookbookcase...)

Specerijen by Jane Lawson

Nieuwe Spreekwoorden #1

2010-02-13T12:19:00.000+01:00

Thx Google!

2010-02-03T09:55:00.001+01:00

Thx to google I know now today's Norman Rockwells birthday...

Aanrader!!!

2010-01-31T17:45:00.002+01:00

interview

EC and NW and LW and MW and MC and more

2010-01-30T11:09:00.005+01:00

This is about the genius called Eliza Carthy. No matter what, check out this documentary.

An interview with the first family of British folk (and they're hilarious!)

Vendenesse-Sur-Arroux

2010-01-29T12:14:00.002+01:00

Finally! The watermill is ours for a fortnight in the summer...
Here is a satellite picture of the surroundings and the fields, and the villages, and more fields, and more surroundings... woehahaahaaha!

Just cute...

2010-01-18T15:16:00.001+01:00

Two things (of many things) I was given during the past festivities!

2010-01-16T10:39:00.001+01:00

Oh heavenly joy!

A Winter's Sunday

2010-01-10T16:43:00.006+01:00

The city was still a mess...

In front of the appartement it looked just ugly...

At the back on the otherhand, things were a little more peaceful.

There was a broken angel...

And a sad one.

Inside, animals were being just animals.

Something for Mr. S.

A huge picture I got as a gift and a special version of Monopoly!

A little kitty asleep.

Mr. S. at work.

Then we went for a walk, and in a nearby toy shop window thingie... this oh so German lunchbox...

In the still snowwhite park...

Drinks on a boat, company garanteed.

Duckies.

Flying duckies.

Finally...

2009-08-31T15:10:00.002+02:00

After two months kind-of-holiday-like house and dogsitting, tonight I'm going back home...

Oh well...

2009-06-04T15:47:00.000+02:00

Presents!

2009-02-05T09:14:00.002+01:00

By Popular Demand...

2009-01-28T09:36:00.000+01:00

Last weekend...

2009-01-15T14:35:00.003+01:00

Last weekend I finally did it. I took all the crucifixes I own and put them on the mantlepiece in the livingroom. Well, I like it!

And while all the tools were out, I put up the last painting I got from Roel Sauviller.

Now I got four in a row...

Yes yes yes again!

2009-01-14T21:42:00.006+01:00

she's great!

2009 started with a lot of presents!

2009-01-04T22:26:00.003+01:00

New Year came and brought along some wonderful presents. Here's what I got.
This Jack dressed up as a snowman which wobbles in two places when shaken.

Then this Jack in his sleigh, which moves on its own!

This cd by Seal, which is one hell of an album full of standards.

A blender kind of thing, full of extra options, actually something I asked for.

Once again The Nightmare Before Christmas, this time a special deluxe edition.

This dvd which probably should be in every gay guys home.

And ofcourse I received a newyearsletter by my godchild.

Christmas presents!

2008-12-27T12:01:00.003+01:00

Look at what Santa brought me!
This is always fun!

This I'm gonna read when I'm home or at least in the near presence of the cd's!

And I'm eager to know what happened after the four children were made royalty in Narnia!

Been tagged!

2008-12-11T16:07:00.013+01:00

I was tagged by Sabine to tell 7 random things about myself. Okay, here we go:

1. Whenever new long-awaited music arrives, I walk on clouds for days, sometimes weeks.

(Music, when it was due, made me sleep very little... still missing one of the above)

2. I own way too many cookbooks, still buy them, and use them hardly.

(The last one I bought)

3. The most amazing journey I ever made was spending Christmas in Kiruna, Lapland.

(Whereabouts of Kiruna, and the most adoring church to spend Christmas nearby - it looked even more fairytale-like in real.)

4. I met Mr. S on the world wide web...

(haha, the world wide web!)

5. I was educated to become an educator to the disabled youth. Never worked in that area though.

(yep, the Flemish logo for Special Youthcare)

6. I once wrote a sentence that was picked up by a good cause and now has a life of its own.

(One of the examples of its life on its own... found on Netlog)

7. One day I want to learn how to speak and understand Gaelic.

(I love the sound of the language)

I pass the tag on to:
1. Danielle
2. Oswald
3. Lucas
4. Luc
5. Sophia
6. Katrien
7. Reclusionboy

Some rules that come with the tag:
1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog - some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Dragon Dreams

2008-12-11T16:04:00.001+01:00

Yippie Yeah!!!!
Woohooh!

EurovisionYouTube

2008-12-10T21:53:00.005+01:00

Last weekend Mr. S received 4 cd's full of Eurovision Songcontest songs. At first it seemed no treat, but then I started to listen with him while we drove to my parents. And one can only conclude a lot of songs are in our subconscious, and the only reason we can't sing them is because we don't speak the language. And, fair is fair, there are a lot of good songs among those winners and those who just didn't belong in such a contest. Last night I spend way too much time on You Tube watching those songs once again. I'll tell you a bit about my favourite songs on the cd's aswell as some who don't appear on the cd.

My favourite song ever competing in the contest was an Italian entry, I also think it's a very fine crafted song. This is 1984, the song ended fifth, and was sung by Alice and Franco Battiato. Ever since I heard it then it stayed with me, and I still love it very much to this day. Looking back at it on YouTube, it also made me laugh. It's obvious Franco is very unexperienced in standing on stage, while Alice knows how to behave in front of such a huge audience. Look out for the expression on his face when he appears behind her. Anyway, here's the clip...

Second in line, for me, is the 1991 entry for France. Amina ended second, after Carola for Sweden. They actually both had the same score (146), but Carola had been given the most 10 points (after they both had been given the same amount of twelve points). Enough talking; a sweet performance by Amina here

Another one of my favourites participated this year. Vânia Fernandes sang Senhora do mar, a song that ended 13th, but deserved better (my opinion).

Ofcourse there are other songs... but maybe sometime later...

Lineart

2008-12-05T12:27:00.003+01:00

Yesterday we went to the opening of Lineart in Flanders Expo in Ghent.
We went because Mr. S's brother had this small exposition. You can visit his own site here
Anyway, we strolled through the corridors of this expo and discovered a lot of RUBBISH!
The only thing I liked very much was the work of Evdokim Perevalsky. Here you'll find some of his work.

A Lazy Sunday

2008-11-23T17:42:00.005+01:00

Today was a very satisfying day. We woke up late after a drinking-and-dining evening yesterday. Mr. S jumped into bed a little later because of his hangover, but all cleared well after another hour of sleep. Meanwhile I was booking face (I love this expression!) and took a snapshot of this angel outside, on the balcony, sitting under a figtree, touched by a little snow.

And everytime I looked into the livingroom I realised I really like our new coach and cleaned up room. I also bought a new but similar cupboard to display all my Tim Burton clutter, so Oogie Boogie and the larger Jack Skellington figurines aren't collecting all this dust.

And Poeske Kom was being lazy all the time. Sleeping in bed with Mr. S, and sleeping in the comfy chair, not realising I was taking her picture, so she must have been in very deep sleep.

And suddenly I remembered this book I bought two years ago. We went to this bookfair, where books cost practically nothing. I take a habbit to visit this fair, as it takes place just before the New Year, and I buy all kinds of books, several of them to give as a gift. So that year I bougt this pop-up book about Winnie the Pooh. I wanted to give it to my little niece, who's quite fond of Winnie.

But then I got home and took a closer look at the book... I decided she was way too small to take care of this special book... This is a picture of the whole book popped out.

It has only five pages but each one is so nice to look at, and so delicate, I decided to keep it myself.

You can slide out one page stories telling the story which is on display.

And the little angel from the beginning...? Well, a few hours later, it looked like this.

And since that moment I've been listening to wonderful christmasmusic by Holly Cole, Jane Siberry and Joan Osborne... I really love this season!

In Bruges

2008-11-21T11:55:00.004+01:00

Last week Mr. S had to go to Bruges for business as it is called. He left from his home, together with Mrs. V, his mum. And I left from Ghent. We would meet eachother after his business was taken care of, and then we would have lunch. I left way too early to be a tourist.
First thing I saw were these black birds sitting on a branch. I have absolutely no idea what kind of birds they are...

Second view: amazing autumn colours...

The sun behind the clouds...

This shop reminded me of a real holiday, so the tourist feeling was totally present.

On every corner of this museum city there's something to be seen...

The wonderful cityhall...

A panoramic view of two churches seen from one point of view... Bruges has a lot of churches!

Finally we could have lunch! We all took typical dishes.

This is an amazing shop. Full of nice christmas inspired clutter. We went there because we needed a (as it turned out rather expensive) gift for Mr. S's sisters birthday.

Ofcourse Bruges has lots of fine shops. Every street has at least three lace shops.

Or nice candy and cookie shops!

And after the shopping we went to the Chapel Of The Holy Blood...! We didn't visit the relic, but we went into this little church on the side...

... where Mr. S had to act out his silly self...

And finally we all went home!

Preparations for a weekend full of painting...

2008-11-07T16:17:00.005+01:00

A few months ago, just before I started this blog, we painted the diningroom. Now as we're heading towards four days without the need to go to work, we decided to paint the livingroom. We moved about everything out and when that was finished we called it a day for today. I had a bit of time before I needed to go to work and Mr. S started to read his Harry Potter book.
Reading in the only comfortable chair left.

We put nearly all the furniture in the other room, where it ended up looking like some crazy garage sale... The cat needed to inspect everything ofcourse...

And eventually Harry Potter wasn't that interesting I suppose...

The 71st annual bookfair of Flanders!

2008-11-01T15:07:00.008+01:00

A few days ago we went to the opening of the annual bookfair, here in Flanders. The opening is usually about meeting lots of friends, strolling from one publisher to another, and for those who don't need to drive, a lot of drinking. I am the designated driver so I went for a walk along the different bookstands.
I bought exactly one book; a biography of Kirsty MacColl by Karen O'Brien.

And ever since I got acquainted with Mr. S I'm also acquainted with illustrations as an art on itself. Not that I didn't believe that before I met Mr. S, but nowadays I'm much more confrontated with the stuff. So, at the bookfair, I also bought two postcards, illustrated by An Candaele, a flemish illustrator I recently discovered and like very much.

Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book

2008-10-26T12:46:00.013+01:00

About a year ago I bought 'Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book', instantly smitten by the idea and artwork. I didn't check the why's and who's, just paid it and went home...

So I came home and started reading. Everyone knows the famous picture of the Cottingleygirls in the garden surrounded by fairies. If you don't here it is. That idea alone, the fact that these two girls could fool quite a few (even intelligent) people with their fairies captured on photograph, that idea alone is worth millions to a fantasy-loving mind. Anyway, Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book took the idea of these girls, and turned it into something hilarious. Behind this all is Terry Jones (of Monty Python fame) and Brian Froud (to me, of Dark Crystal fame). A few alterations on the names, and the authors had their book of how these girls captured those fairies between pages of a notebook. No need to say the fairies look totally surprised and flat! And FUNNY!

Should you come across this book, buy it!

Old stuff from an attic...

2008-10-25T16:42:00.006+02:00

A while ago my parrents cleaned out their attic, and they came upon a box full of old schoolbooks. Little was interesting, but there was an old school report of mine... and boy... I think the teacher didn't like me!

I used to sit in the front row to help a fellow classmate to read the blackboard, yep, he had very bad eyes. Apparantly I was lifted from that task that year. And what did that teacher write in my report?

And this is a complete lie!

I went to a school in our neighbourhood where the classes had only but 10 pupils (or less!). So the classrooms were filled with two years, and the teacher had to switch back and forth between two different levels. My brother who is a year younger than me, and a year older than our sister, was always in class either with me, or with my sister. His name is Jan, and apparently I took care of his books. One should think that's a good thing...

And once again a huge lie!

It should've been forbidden for this teacher to write such harsh lies!

No really, I think he hated me in an unspeakable way!

But did you watch my grades? They were pretty good, weren't they, I think the teacher was jealous! Hah!

At my door...

2008-10-18T13:38:00.002+02:00

... the leaves are falling... No no no, no song by Johnny Cash at my front door, but bikes! Bikes, bikes, and more bikes... even though there's a 'no bikes'-sign. Can anyone explain?

I came home with all my figurines...

2008-10-16T14:52:00.004+02:00

... and I put almost everything in the cupboard. Only the large Jack won't fit into that red display of all things Burton... So I gave him his place next to Jesus. And I think it looks awesome... Jack stroking/tickling Jesus' head...

Yesterday...

2008-10-16T11:33:00.002+02:00

So, yesterday we went shopping in Antwerp, shopping for a coat for Mr. S. He didn't find a coat, but I did, and we went bersek in a shop called De Mekanik. Mr. S bought a few figurines of The Corpse Bride, and I went once again overboard on The Nightmare Before Christmas. Below is a picture of the most adorable and talking (!) 50 cm high Jack Skellington. He'll have to do a lot of talking during the coming festive season... (picture was taken with the webcam of Mr. S)

Finally back... and with a tajine!

2008-10-15T18:00:00.005+02:00

Lately I have been working and booking face too much. Time for another blog!
This afternoon we went to Antwerp and bought way too much lovely figurines. But we also bought ingredients for a tajine. We used potatoes, fish, tomatoes, lemon, parsley, union, spinach and lovely herbs! And this tajine, well..., we are about to eat it NOW!

Sermizelles 2005

2008-09-30T13:53:00.008+02:00

As I was cleaning up some old picture-cds I came across one with a folder 'Sermizelles 2005'. I had this old, not very good camera, and I think its limitations are visible in some of the pictures below, but I still think there are some pretty good snapshots among them. A small selection...
First a map of France and Sermizelles located on it.

This was in the backyard of the mansion where we stayed the fortnight. It was this huge old townhallkind of a mansion, with acres and acres of garden... One of our friends was wheelchairbound, and she spent a lot of time in the garden.

A bit of our frontview and two of them cowboys waiting to jump into the car and drive somewhere frenchy...

Sunlight made the scenery an everchanging painting...

In some church we visited, although I can't remember where... a deer sniffing my lovely toes...

Is this France? Along the Loire on a daytrip, we visited the Pont Canal de Briare. This is a view of the Loire, seen from the pont.

We also visited the abbey of Fontenay. This picture of these two lovely ladies was taken in the cloister.

Another picture taken in the Abbey of Fontenay. I love this picture, everything about it ;-).

This one was taken on another roadtrip. In some small village we saw this pond, this pool, which was covered in the most verdant green.

A picture taken at the back of the Vézelay Abbey.

Aaah, sweet parting and all that jazz... the day we left and headed home.

Day After Tomorrow

2008-09-29T16:54:00.001+02:00

Op Writers Are A Funny Breed is er een bespreking van 'Day After Tomorrow', de nieuwe cd van folklegende Joan Baez, terug te vinden.

Facebook...

2008-09-29T10:13:00.003+02:00

Lately I have been dividing my time between Blogspot and Facebook, both being very much fun. Blogspot because it's just nice, and Facebook because there's an increasing contact with people one knows. Facebook has another fun part... GAMES! And you can compete with your friends, which makes it even more appealing.
One of the games that I have been playing a lot lately is WHO HAS THE BIGGEST BRAIN? It's a bit of braintraining, and in the end you get a score, apparently equal to your brainsize. When you win, you can annoy others with it. My surprise was huge when I received the message below...

As you can all see, my brain is 2150 something, which means I have a Spacebrain (HUGE!!!), while Mr. S's brain seems to be zero, nil, naught, which isn't true ofcourse. He had the brain of a cat, the test told him. But, and this must be the mystery of Facebook, why should Mr. S ask me (of all people) who my daddy is... He knows my daddy, so he should know! Anyway, my spacebrain says I'm smarter, therefor I am... or something like that... help! I'm going bananas...

Writers Are A Funny Breed

2008-09-28T13:03:00.005+02:00

Ik ben een tweede blog gestart... een tweede blog die ik wel wat wil onderhouden.
Many moons ago I wrote reviews for an e-zine, maar dat eindigde dus. Bij deze start ik mijn eigen reviewblog: Writers Are A Funny Breed

Wanneer er daar iets nieuw verschijnt, wordt het meteen ook een item op deze blog...

De eerste cd is Dar Williams' Promised Land.

All I Intended To Be

2008-09-26T11:18:00.004+02:00

Yesterday we went to Brussels. To Bozar, the Palace of Fine Arts. For a concert by Emmylou Harris.

It was great, amazing and that shebang. It was the second time I saw her live (previous in the Queen Elisabethhall in Antwerp), and this gig was just as thrilling as the first time I saw her. She sang once again like you'd expect her to sing, she made a nice switch between ballad and country-rock, and she wasn't the diva I saw in Antwerp. Anyway, when she comes around again... GO!
her official webspace

Free Free Free...

2008-09-21T16:03:00.006+02:00

Yesterday we went to Kapellenbos for a free podium. Some of our friends were performing so we went in jolly good mood to check them out. And in hindsight... I don't know whether it is because they are our friends, but they were absolutely head and shoulders above the rest... A small review...
Below is a part of the group of listeners. They came to absorb the music and some more. One of them absorbed so much he went down, face first, on the staircase when we got home...

The first of our friends taking the spotlight was Brikke. He sang 'Softly As I Leave You', a song originally done by Frank Sinatra. This was, for me, the first highlight of the day. This was a voice one couldn't help but listen to. Finally a voice that had body and soul. He was accompanied on piano by his daughter Emily...

So then came the daughter... Emily sang 'Like A Star' (originally by Corinne Bailey Ray), followed by 'Love Is A Losing Game', a song we all know by Amy Winehouse. And that, that song, was not only a triumph for Emily, it was the highlight of the day. To sing a song which is made famous by such a defining artist, BUT making this song your very own, not imitating, not trying to copy, but singing your own song... well one has got be very talented to do so. And I think Emily is... She ended her set with a selfpenned song, not quite finished but definately going strong...

Mother and brother watching ever so attentively to the daughter/sister. Apart from the music made that moment I enjoyed the attention given and the wow's I heard at that moment.

Last of our friends to climb the stage were Jahfar. A jazzdubgroup showcasing their own songs in a way one wouldn't expect it in Kapellenbos. A pity they couldn't keep the attention of the audience because of the lack of a singer. The trumpet was the voice, that was obvious, but a lot of listeners went on to talk their own talk. Still they made thrilling music.

And yesterday was the day I finally could take home the painting I bought a few months ago. For now it has found a place upon the closet, away from the cat, until I paint the livingroom, and it will grace the wall there. The painter is a member of Jahfar and one hell of talented guy.

Saturday = Movieday, part 2

2008-09-20T11:46:00.010+02:00

A movie that seems to thrill me over and over again, is, once again a musical, Nightmare Before Christmas, by Tim Burton.

I don't think the movie needs much of an introduction, but for those who aren't familiar with the story:
There's Jack Skellington

And he lives in Halloweentown. Every year he leads all citizens into a night of scaring little children, adults and everything scareable...
He kind of loves Sally, who adores him.

She's a housekeeper for the awful Mr. Hyde, a wheelchairing freak.
Anyway, one day Jack discovers Christmas Town and doesn't know what to think of all this splendour, joy, light and goodwill. He decides to cancel Halloween and highjack Christmas. In order to succeed he needs to kidnap their leader, known as Sandy Claws.
Eventually Sandy Claws ends up with the evil Oogie Boogie.

When push comes to shove, the whole operation is a complete disaster. Jack acknowledges that and he decides they should start right away with the preparations for next year's Halloween. He and Sally finally get together as an item.

The movie was the first major movie completely put together by stop-motion, and the final product is simply amazing. You totally go along with Jack, Sally and all the extras of which none is not loveable.
The music, once again by Danny Elfman, who does the soundtrack of most Burtonmovies, is nothing less than perfect.

And YouTube once again; the scene where Jack discovers Christmas Town (remember; this is stop-motion!)

And another one; Oogie Boogie's Song, take a look at that wonderful Santa Claus...

Wie op dit idee komt, heeft het waarschijnlijk meegemaakt

2008-09-19T10:34:00.001+02:00

Plezante bewustmakingscampagne van Sensoa

SuperGirly

2008-09-18T15:36:00.002+02:00

I know you're not supposed to laugh with Britney Spears... (sic)... but this is terribly funny, and well done. I love the big blonde girl... And it's swell to come up and sing both songs over eachtother... Listen to the lyrics!

Als Alle Anderen #4

2008-09-17T08:13:00.003+02:00

I had no idea there was a tshirt...

The full story (in Dutch) can be read here

Saturday = Movieday, part 1

2008-09-13T10:19:00.007+02:00

I don't know if I will succeed in this, but every saturday I'll try to post one of my favourite movies. Perhaps an idea for you folks to run to the dvd-store, or rental facility, and watch a good movie on Saturdaynight.
First in the series is probably my all time favourite: Hedwig and the Angry Inch!

The movie is from 2001 and is a musical, or a rock-opera. It tells the story of Hansel, an East-German boy wanting to escape East-Berlin and eventually does so through a sex-change (which isn't quite successful, hence the angry inch, Hedwig is from then on his chosen name, and that of his mother) and a marriage to an American officer. In America he/she gets divorced, has all kinds of odd jobs and is the star in her own popgroup...
It's also a movie about the search for one's other half... One of the finest lovesongs I ever heard comes from this movie:

It's a feelgood movie because of the music, and because even though it's a sad sad sad story, it ends uplifting and is full of humor. Hedwig is one hell of a stand up comedian. John Cameron Mitchell wrote, directed and headlined this movie, and he's utterly thrilling as Hedwwig.

On a lighter note: every New Year's Eve we get together with the family and we dress up. One year the theme was movies, so I went as Hedwig in one of the scenes...

Below is the song with the infamous carwash-scene...

Poeske Kom's new resting place

2008-09-12T10:06:00.003+02:00

My little kitty... Since the accident, operation and revalidation, she changed a bit. She sleeps all night in bed, preferably between Mr. S and me. And she found a new resting place...

The papyrus is slightly going down the drain, don't know wether it's her fault or not, but if she likes to lay there, why should I forbid it?

Joan Baez - Day After Tomorrow

2008-09-10T13:38:00.005+02:00

It was 1993. I met my -now- ex-boyfriend, and he wanted me to hear this woman, in some way connected to Dylan (whom I quite dislike). I heard 'Sweet Sir Galahad'... Up until this day, this is one of my favourite songs by that woman. (Check it out in the musicplayer below).
That woman is ofcourse Joan Baez, sixtieslegend and still recording to this day. This week she released her newest cd, nr. 51!!!

It's a stunning album once again showcasing her humanitary involvement. No self-written songs here, but she's one hell of an interpreter.
Those who thought she was dead and buried, those of you who think she's still singing in that high voice, those of you who like honest singer-songwriting, perhaps it's time to (re)discover her.
Her official website
Her Myspace
The player below gives a very small view on her career (which started in 1959). 'God Is God' is from the new album.

The Melancholy Death Of Oyster Boy & Other Stories

2008-09-10T10:11:00.009+02:00

Ever since, I think, Edward Scissorhands, I've been a huge fan of Tim Burton. Ofcourse I came to know him through his movies (and -oh well- some will say it's because of Johnny Depp, and hey, there are worse things, not?), but later I got acquainted with his other work. His early homemade movies, his poetry and drawings and his passion about anything beyond the normal.
A really fine example is his book 'The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories':

It's a book containing 23 poems written by himself, and also illustrated by himself. Every poem is about one of the 20 characters featured in it. And it's truly great. Ofcourse the whole she-bang turned into merchandise, but it's so cute and adorable. I went out of my way to collect them all, but I finally did it.
Below: Oysterboy himself, Robot Boy and The Girl With Many Eyes

Stain Boy, Junk Girl and Roy the Toxic Boy

Match Girl, Jimmy the Hideous Penguin Boy and Stick Boy

The Pin Cushion Queen, Mummy Boy and Staring Girl

The Boy With Nails In His Eyes, Voodoo Girl and Brie Boy

All these figurines came as a trio in a fairly normal box, except for Voodoo Girl which came in a larger box accompanied by a hardcovered version of the book. And Stick Boy and Match Girl, who stupid as may be are in love, came as a pair in a huge matchbox.

As you may see above, the whole set is covered under the name 'Tim Burton's Tragic Toys For Girls And Boys'...
The Pin Cushion Queen graces a journal, with pins that light up if you push a button.

I do not own everything merchandised, for example Mr. S owns the large version of Roy The Toxic Boy, which really looks toxic. On the www there is ofcourse much to be found about these tragic toys. Tim Burton's own site for example.
And on that very site you'll find 6 swell flashcartoons where Stain Boy headlines, and where most of the above characters play a supporting role. Check them out!
Stain Boy and Staring Girl ('Why?' one asks)
Stain Boy and Roy The Toxic Boy (my favourite, watch that little doggie at the end)
Stain Boy and the Giant Bowling Ball (not featured in the book)
Stain Boy and Robot Boy (Poor moussie)
Stain Boy and Match Girl (Eat this Jessica Rabbit!)
Stain Boy's Past (lots of characters!)

MadonnAnnie

2008-09-07T12:05:00.004+02:00

Anyone who knows me, and perhaps not that very well, will know I have this heavy infatuation with Annie Lennox. Ever since the 80's I have been buying everything I can lay my hands on concerning Lennox. But more than buying, I have been listening over and over again, and I never get bored. Frankly, I have never met anyone more obsessive than me, they may say they are sooo deep into all things Lennox, but I always seem to manage to know something, to own something they don't... Nothing to be proud of, but a fact.
One of the funniest video's Lennox ever made is 'Do you want to break up', from the Savage album, when Eurythmics was still very much alive.. Here's the clip (though the sound isn't quite in place):

Madonna is a different kind of cookie. Never been much into her, don't know why, probably the music, and the far from interesting voice. But then she released 'Ray Of Light', and I think anyone should acknowledge she triumphed there. One of the best songs on that album was/is 'Don't tell me', a song also known as 'Stop', written by Joe Henry (yep yep, Madge's brother-in-law, a far more interesting version of the song is to be found on 'Dreaming Wide Awake' by Lizz Wright).

Last Year Lennox released 'Songs Of Mass Destruction'. The song that got the most attention was 'Sing'. An awareness-song, pointing out the hiv-problem in South-Africa, especially among women. Another reason why the song got so much attention was the fact Lennox recorded it with South-African group 'The Generics', and with 23 female superstars. Among them... yes, Madonna. In fact, Madonna gets the most attention because she gets so sing one verse solo.
Sing

But apparently the link continues. During her recent Sticky & Sweet Tour Madonna shows a CGI-movie (costume change!). The song starts out as 'Rain' by Madonna herself, when suddenly you hear the synthesizer from 'Here Comes The Rain Again'... Apart from the fact that Madonna uses Eurythmics in her show (which will be attended by a LOT of people), I also like the fact Madonna, though trying hopelessly to be hip and up-to-date, takes a 25-year-old-song to act as a soundtrack to a usually not so interesting intermission. I think Lennox and Stewart are laughing out loud inside...
Concert-excerpt

I like my dizzy dancer

2008-09-04T16:33:00.000+02:00

Pretty Amazing Stuff...

2008-09-03T15:28:00.007+02:00

A collegue of mine was whistling the 'Queen Of The Night'-aria while working, and she wondered what she was whistling. So I told her, and told her I would mail her a wonderful version of the song. Ofcourse I wanted her to hear Florence Foster Jenkins:

But while browsing YouTube, I came across this:
Robin Schlotz, a young Austrian boy doing his thing in the choir. Still pretty amazing stuff, even though now his voice dropped and he isn't able to sing this anymore (says the choir-site).

Als Alle Anderen #3

2008-09-03T09:50:00.003+02:00

Another use of 'Als Alle Anderen', this time a school in Malle.

Next Year's Easter Holiday

2008-09-02T09:30:00.006+02:00

Yesterday I got a textmessage from my mother which went as follows: "Holiday booked in France, house was still free". Though it slipped my mind, it happened to be she was supposed to call the agency the first of september, to book our family-holiday in 2009. This time it was actually quite exciting, because everyone in the family wanted to return to this mansion we went to in 2007. Below are some random pictures of that holiday.

So this is the mansion: Le Manoir Du Buvey. One hell of a mansion, where Hector Malot (the famous writer of 'Sans Famille') once lived.

Not so far from where we stayed, there is the village of Allouville-Bellefosse. Only famous for this old tree, where a hermit once lived in... This tree now needs to be supported by many iron bars and wooden poles.

Et voilà, Bosc-Bénard Commin flaunts the fact that Mr. Malot once lived in their petite commune.

Ofcourse we went on excursions. Probably one of the main reasons we all wanted to go back. We usually take the yearly holiday in the Belgian Ardennes, and well, even though there are lots of places to visit, we usually don't. Where as in France, we went to see as much as possible. Below is the church in Rouan, build on the very spot where Jeanne d' Arc was burned.

And ofcourse the ever so lovely town of Honfleur.

Tram & World Fair

2008-09-01T10:10:00.006+02:00

This morning the street I live on went through a huge change... After a year of renovation and a lot of workingnoises, this morning the first tram slided through the street. It was actually a welcome back, because in the 1920s en 30s there was a tram that went through our street. Eventually it was replaced by a bus, and now it's full circle again. No pictures of today, but two wonderful postcards of the glory in olden days...

The building you see in the picture above at the end of the row (it's white), is the same building you see on the picture below, it's on the left. It was built in 1913 for the World Fair which was held in my hometown. The station and the square in front were also built especially for that Expo. The building is still very much in use, and so is the station, but the square has changed from this wonderful parc to an ugly busstation. Luckily they're trying as hard as possible to restore the former glory of this place.

If I Had My Way Three Times

2008-08-31T18:16:00.005+02:00

Music, it will always be my solace. And I enjoy it to get people get acquainted with (for them) new music. Once again, this post suits perfectly with previous posts.
The three YouTube-movies below are all about the same song. Well, they are the same song. 'If I had my way' written by the Reverend Gary Davies (°1896, +1972), and what is the song about? ... Exactly! Religion! It seems it interests me in every way. But I think, faith-driven or not, one has to acknowledge the wonderful stories Christianity has produced. This is the story of Samson and Delilah.
Last year, when we were in France we visited Chalon-Sur-Saône, quite a large city in Burgundy. A city with shops! Musicshops! So I went inside one, a bought two cd's. One by Catherine Russell, which I knew as a backing vocal to Jane Siberry and David Bowie. And one by Bethany and Rufus, which I didn't know at all, but the songchoice was alright, so I took the risk.
Here's Bethany and Rufus with their version of 'If I had my way'. I think they made it a new song.

Peter Paul and Mary on the other hand tend to make this song a lot duller, a lot easier, a lot more drained from all drive that's inherent to the lyric.

And finally Rev. Gary Davies, the original.

The Cupboard of Holy Things... (in a James Mason voice, Eddie Izzard would say)

2008-08-30T09:58:00.006+02:00

In addition to yesterday's post, I'll post some more relgious stuff. Below is the cupboard where I keep all things too precious, vulnerable or small to lay around. Books, figurines, little crosses, candles, cards, stuff like that. I also uploaded the picture to Flickr, where I put some notes on the picture with a little more information, you'll find it here.

On the same cupboard are three plaster statuettes. Two Jesuses, both of the Holy Heart. The left one holds a self rolled cigarette between his fingers. My brother put it there when I moved from my studentroom to my first house, now 14 years ago.
In the middle there's St. Josef with Jesus as a young child. I got it from Ms. W, who got it from her grandmother and didn't want to sell it on a fleamarket, but didn't wanna keep it (as she got way too much clutter.)

As you can see, I'm not exclusively into catholic imagery. Here's Mary next to a Jewish holy book (don't know which one, as I can't read Hebrew) and next to an oillamp with some Indian goddess on top of it.

Below is the pièce de résistance of my collection. It's a cross that used to hang in a convent. My brother worked there once, and he knows ofcourse of my collection. So when one day they were going to throw all these crosses, large and small, who were thrown into one room, away, he went to ask one of the nuns if he could take a cross with him for his brother. The nun agreed ofcourse, overjoyed with the devotion she witnessed within the young folk. Well, my brother took a cross, gave it to me, and ever since it's gracing the mantlepiece in my diningroom.

And ofcourse, this is also very much fun. The merchandise found in little shops, mostly selling fifties and sixties inspired clutter. They usually sell Jesus gadgets too. So I own some of those too.

Le livre d'heures des ames pieuses recueil de prières a l'usage des personnes du monde

2008-08-29T12:05:00.003+02:00

Yesterday I arrived at Mr.S's place. There was a present of the girlfriend of Mr. S's brother, let's call her Ms. Hare. A while ago she was at my place, and I own a collection of religious artefacts. She said, something I forgot, she had a little churchbook which was lying around, so if I wanted it, I could have it. I said 'Yes!', and this was the moment. I have a lot these little books, and I'm a softie for these lovely patterns and drawings which are always to be found in these little books. This one was printed in 1910 in Braine-Le-Comte, France.

It looks like every book has a different pattern on these pages...

The little drawing on the right page is of an old beehive, which I think is really funny, because I work at a bee-center... Perhaps an idea to explore this kind of imagery within religious imagery. They are well known ofcourse, the most knowm example being St. Ambrose, who once was fed by a swarm of bees. In return he became the patronsaint of all beekeepers and their bees.

Buttonpeople

2008-08-28T13:26:00.002+02:00

a little bit inspired by Roman Dirge's Mr. Gosh, the not-so-well-received-admirer of Lenore, the cute little dead girl

13 female singers

2008-08-27T08:29:00.004+02:00

On Cats & Quilts Sabine explained how to make a mosaic with pictures on Flickr. So this is my first attempt. 13 pictures. 13 women whose music I buy without pre-listening. Nr. 1 is the big one, the rest follows right to left, top to bottom.

1. Issa/Jane Siberry , 2. Annie Lennox , 3. Diamanda Galàs, 4. Joan Baez, 5. Ute Lemper , 6. Cassandra Wilson, 7. June Tabor, 8. Sarah-Jane Morris, 9. Patty Larkin, 10. Kate Bush, 11. Mary Margaret O'Hara, 12. Stevie Nicks, 13. Holly Cole

Als Alle Anderen #2

2008-08-26T09:43:00.002+02:00

I came upon this because I google myself sometimes... Another use of the 'poem' without (my) permission. Luckily it's used for a good cause.

Great Lies To Tell Small Kids

2008-08-25T07:57:00.002+02:00

Taken from the very funny book by Andy Riley

Jane Siberry / Issa

2008-08-22T11:41:00.003+02:00

Jane Siberry, Canadian, singer-songwriter, independant artist, well... my favourite. Lately she wants to be known as Issa, but apart from the name few things have changed. First stumbled upon her music when she released 'When I was a boy' in 1993, and ever since became a dedicated fan. Met her in 2006 for an interview (which I probably should publish) and a few weeks later for a guided tour in my hometown, a photoshoot and dinner. Lately she's been finishing her new album, which she started while staying in Belgium in 2006. Interested?
Her official site
The Sheeba Store
Her myspace

Still on our little holiday

2008-08-21T14:32:00.003+02:00

In our backyard we have a lake, the front yard is an orchard.

This little fluffy fellow apparently likes to be surrounded by flowers.

An exhausting afternoon requires a little nap. Look at the arrows on the soles of his shoes...

Mr. S's Birthday

2008-08-20T13:04:00.004+02:00

Yesterday I took half a day off at work, because of Mr. S's birthday. I left at noon, and first went shopping. He didn't know that his mother and brother and my parents would arrive in the afternoon so we could have a small surprise-party. When I came home the children who took a sailing-tutorial were already busy ... euhm... sailing.

A bit later Mrs. B arrived, a longtime friend of Mr. S, and as we were temporarily very much in the neighborhood, she paid him a birthday-visit. The cat was still very much afraid to go outside and watched everything from way up high.

And then in the evening we had that small surprise-party. Raclette as a meal and afterwards a small cake with 46 (forty-six!!!) candles, which Mr. S blew out straight away.

Als Alle Anderen

2008-08-19T09:45:00.003+02:00

Every now and then I search the net for this. Every now and then a new use of this poem pops up...

A week of house- and animalsitting

2008-08-18T10:57:00.007+02:00

Last Friday we got a phonecall from Mr. S's brother, asking if we were prepared to stay a week at his house. He was leaving for Italy and home & animals needed to be attended to. And for us it's like a little holiday not so far from home.
This is the view of our backyard-for-a-week.

Inside we were welcomed by this dragonfly...

... and this butterfly.

The animals who need our care: Papito, the dog, who happens to be blind and smells like a huge pile of ... well... feces. Mona, the mothercat, and some kind of fluffy little fellow of which we do not know a name.

And ofcourse we brought our own cat, Poeske Kom, along. Though she was a guest in this house in the past, she wasn't eager to go outside. Instead she chose to watch everything from behind the glass and in the comfort of a leather sofa...

Amy Gamy

2008-08-17T07:42:00.001+02:00

Quite stupid game, but the animated Amy looks swell...

Games, Bells and Drinks

2008-08-16T10:03:00.005+02:00

Yesterday it was a national holiday, so the whole family gathered together for what has become a yearly event. A trip of some kind with the sole purpose of being together for a day. This year we went on a small tour in the South of West-Vlaanderen. The tour went from place to place (mostly cafés and restaurants) and was done by covered wagon. Near the end of the day everyone was numbed by the bells from the horses rigs.

At the beginning we all received a blue kerchief (one of my mother's ideas) so we could recognize the members of our group (as if we didn't know eachother).

In every place we stopped we were served either food or drinks. And we also had to play a game, old folklore games.

This game below was probably the hardest to play. Large wooden cheeselike flat balls were to be rolled just to get near the center of a circle drawn onto the playground. In this place we also had the most drunk and irritating audience.

This last game was an indoor version of bowling, which was quite nice to play though I feel one couldn't put much effort in, luck seemed to be the main player.

wonderful clip & music

2008-08-15T07:24:00.001+02:00

Once famous with 10000 Maniacs, Natalie Merchant became much more interesting when she went solo.
Ophelia:

Carnival:

Break Your Heart:

Holiday

2008-08-14T12:12:00.008+02:00

So... We stayed two weeks in Fretay, Savigny-Sur-Braye, France. A wonderful house, large garden with a lot of trees, and the most amazing wallpaper in a lot of rooms...

The wallpaper and highly religious mirror in our room

The kitchen and a table full of vegetables

The hallway at the backdoor

And always something to read on the toilet

Even tickets look grand!

2008-08-14T09:53:00.004+02:00

Nice entrance tickets to castles we visited last month in France. In Belgium you usually get a ticket torn from one big roll, which gives you the impression you're going to a country fair dance and drinking party...

Rows and flows of angel hair...

2008-08-13T09:40:00.004+02:00

Clouds recently shot in Fretay, Savigny-Sur-Braye.

At the beginning of the fortnight they were very white, woollike, transparent...

... but two weeks later, they became fire in the sky.

And this picture... well I thought it was a really good picture.

Painting walls and getting rid of stuff...

2008-08-12T10:14:00.001+02:00

Last week we started painting my appartment. While putting things back I decided to move around the furniture. I also chose not to put every little tit and tat back where it was before we emptied the room. Lots of stuff will be put in boxes or given away. Must learn to live with less clutter...