Twitter Updates
News and Updates
New Blog Links
January 31st, 2010, 8:06 pm by Janne AasbøI've been struggling with failing internet connections all weekend, and it is as it usually is: extremely flaky. So apart from RobinHooding off my neighborhood's unsecured networks, no web for me. Hopefully I'll be back with my own connection again soon.
For now, just some updates in the world of blogging; a couple of new links.
My sister has moved her blog here, and the new blog name is The Heidi.
I also wanted to link to Bella's blog, she's a very talented photographer, and the blog's very inspirational.
Enjoy!
- JJ.
Busy, Busy and I Didn't Die
January 29th, 2010, 7:43 am by Janne AasbøHi everyone! These are busy days for me (my disappearing act wasn't caused by my death though, I'm just working really hard), so I'm just not able to update as frequently as before, but I'll be back with new stuff later, and in the meantime, follow my twitter, which I do update frequently.
See you all later!
- JJ.
Blog: Week Summary I Guess
January 26th, 2010, 9:35 pm by Janne AasbøAs I write this: Really tired from a long workday, yet thankful that there's work to be had.
Thought I'd make a small update though, as I've been pretty busy this last week.
First of all: Last Wednesday was my birthday, and though I was on standby I got the day off, so I went out to lunch with my mom (who actually woke me up with her call that morning for the first time, as I'm usually up way before everyone else, we all know I'm no sleeper) and then went to visit my dad. What I didn't know as I left there though was that my dad was shortly going to pick up my sister from the airport for a surprise visit. I later told my dad I hadn't thought he could pull off secret-keeping, that he's usually transparent, which I then had to explain since he got all theatrically offended; that he's no 007. But pull it off he did.
Then, Thursday, I get a text from my sister that I have to go to my dad's house TODAY. Not tomorrow, not next week, not later, but TODAY to pick up a gift from her that she left there for me. TODAY. She was veeery clear about the today part. I was like “stop the hell bugging me” but I said I'd maybe stop by after my errands.
I did my errands, also picking up some new books, terrified that if I didn't spend it that very second, all my birthday money would stream (like water through fingers) into the grocery fund (not an option). (The new books by the way were Kelley Armstrong's The Awakening because The Summoning kept me awake at night, so addictive! Also Charlaine's All Together Dead and From Dead to Worse, because The Southern Vampire Mysteries are also pretty addictive, and makes me laugh hysterically (I guess no other author can do that), oh and because I kinda (no, really) love Bubba (long live the King). Lastly, Carrie Ryan's The Forest of Hands and Teeth, which I've heard a lot about from my book galpals, but which I wasn't so sure about myself, but we shall see, I do owe it a good chance, even though my instinct is damn good if I do say so myself. I can usually tell what's good just by reading the covers.)
Anyways, I come home to my dad, and I walk in the door, thinking dad's left on a lot of lights for being at work. However, I find sis casually sitting on the couch watching Malcolm in the Middle (of all things). First: stunned silence. Then some screaming (in a good way).
Anyways, a good day.
I worked Saturday, and on Sunday my mom held a birthday party for my stepsister and me (her birthday is January 30th). Invited were friends and family, mostly my stepsister's though, since none from my side of things could come. I still have leftover cake, which I'll never be able to finish alone. Any takers?
Also, my stepsis got me acrylics and brushes and paper for my birthday, and I am so stoked! I've only ever done watercolors (and I am so bored by now) so I'm pretty excited to try something new. Also, I have a pretty decent project developing in my head. Or so I think. I've been pretty busy (nor have I acquired everything I need yet), so I haven't been able to start it yet, but it's all up there in my head though.
This week is all workdays for a change, if not double workdays. Monday was pretty exhausting, I worked at the bookstore first and then, not having time to go home, snagging dinner at my dad's and then off to translating. Might be the same deal tomorrow. You get tired, but you can't complain that time passes slowly.
Anyways, that was the summary I guess.
Love, JJ.
Photography: Wash Away
January 21st, 2010, 8:25 pm by Janne Aasbø
Taken at Tonquin Park, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
- JJ.
Photography: If I Ever Leave
January 19th, 2010, 2:03 pm by Janne Aasbø
Taken in Victoria (the park by the Empress Hotel actually), Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
I did do some photos from around here this weekend, the weather was being rather strange, so it turned out to be quite a nice catch, but I've been having some minor computer issues, so they won't be up just yet I'm afraid! But stay tuned!
- J.
Blog: Flaky
January 18th, 2010, 7:41 pm by Janne AasbøI guess it's been a while since I really blogged. I also guess that I don't really know what to report and what not to.
There's several things lately that I guess would be more interesting to know than my usual stuff, but I'm struggling to determine where the line of breaking confidences go. I guess what I mean is, even without naming names, you guys are awfully astute (I suppose that's a compliment, haha!).
So I guess I'll avoid all that stuff, because I haven't yet sorted it all through in my own head even. Better safe than sorry, right? Don't wanna step on any toes.
So – apart from all that complicated stuff, I've still been applying to new gigs, which is really the same old depressing thing, so let's not get into that.
I know I've been awfully flaky lately, I have been SO distracted, I have no idea what's wrong with me. Feels like my head can't stay at whatever it's doing for very long. And I'm not really sure why.
So I guess that's an apology for any conversation past or future in which I'm not all there. Sorry. I'm way off these days.
Anyways... My birthday's coming up on Wednesday, but I haven't really planned to do anything special. My mom's doing a party for my stepsister and me (her birthday's ten days after mine) this weekend though, with friends and relatives.
I haven't planned anything with friends, but being penniless, I'd have to go small in any case, but that's ok. I guess my real problem is working nights, especially weekend nights.
I guess that's it for today, and yeah, I do realize that this is also a veeery flaky journal entry. Sorry about that.
Oh, by the way, in other news: My sister'll most likely be living here in town next year, so I say yay for that, I always miss her tons these days.
Ok, that's it.
Love, JJ.
January Corkboard (Finally!)
January 15th, 2010, 7:15 pm by Janne AasbøI finally got to update the Corkboard with the first items of 2010.
Late, I know. First yours truly was too busy, and then I plain old-fashioned forgot. Sorry. It's there now though. So... Enjoy.
- JJ.
Photography: Jungle
January 11th, 2010, 11:47 am by Janne Aasbø
Taken in the more tropical part of the Calgary Zoo, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- JJ.
Photography: Where the Spanish Babies Cry
January 10th, 2010, 9:07 pm by Janne Aasbø
I've been looking through some of my shots from Portugal (Nazaré) again, because it's been so cold. Portugal in the winter = perfect.
- JJ.
Photography: Outside the Garden Wall
Friday January 8th, 2010, 9:23 am by Janne Aasbø
Taken at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Chinatown, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
I'm also planning on adding some youtube clips from Rent to the Bulletin Board later, so keep your eyes peeled for that. I just love it. *drops into hypnotic tones* And so should you.
- JJ.
(Edit: I did add those Rent clips, so enjoy!)
Photography: Every Corner We Turn
Wednesday January 6th, 2010, 3:52 pm by Janne Aasbø
Taken at Tonquin Park, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
A shot that does a good job in describing today.
- JJ.
Poetry: 4 Saved Up Poems
Wednesday January 6th, 2010, 3:16 pm by Janne AasbøAs the headline says, four new poems with descriptions. Enjoy.
Burn For Me
Again inspired by Beautiful Creatures, that Southern Belle/Voodoo Charm of a book, written from Lena's point of view. Getting bewteen a woman and her witch hunters: Don't try that at home, honey.
I will not make you kneel if you
Do yourself choose to stand,
When everything is flying through
The fingers of your hand,
Outstretched right in front of you,
But Ethan, can't you see,
You can't stave off the hurricane
That's baring down on me.
Strong is when the witch hunters
Give you the time of day,
Brave is when you're scared to death
But tarry anyway,
And when they're bringing out the stake,
I know that there you'll be,
The truth that you'll discover when
You cannot burn for me.
Hundred
We tell ourselves the rainstorms
Can clean away our fears,
Just walking slower to endure
A hundred of your years.
To the road, it doesn't matter,
It don't still the songs of birds,
When we dark ones pass you by,
To hundreds of your words.
So bury me at crossroads,
Just hide me underneath,
To listen in the quiet
To a hundred passing feet.
The Savior Doesn't Wear A Suit and Tie
All the little miracles
Do sometimes pass me by,
For, you know, the Savior
Doesn't wear a suit and tie,
If he passed me on a crowded street
(If the city ever dries)
He would drown in all the businessmen
In starched, pressed suits and ties.
With street corner philosophers
And other lonely guys
He'd sit and watch the world pass by
In somber suits and ties,
If someone says “your tunic's nice”,
He'll know it is a lie,
For, you know the Savior doesn't
Wear a suit and tie.
High Horses
Sometimes people really disappoint you with little falls from grace, but you're left thinking that "well, at least I didn't waste my energies on people who can't be made to listen anyway".
They ride out of town on their high horses;
Guess we could give that a try,
They ride without feeling or knowing
That no one are waving goodbye,
I notice your hand getting steady
Thankfully, as they ride,
I know that they happened across you
On the defensive side.
You know we could yell into deaf ears,
Guess we could give that some tries,
Or flashing our rudest gestures
Into their unseeing eyes,
See, it's we who have it easy;
Still unmoved like before,
They ride out of town on their high horses;
We are serene once more.
- JJ.
Photo: The Only Reason I Remain
Tuesday January 5th, 2010, 8:29 pm by Janne Aasbø
Photo taken in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
It's cold, cold winter around here now right after the Solstice, and I've been freezing so much lately, which is, I suspect, why I got so sick last week. I am back now however, and I thought a nice May shot from a beautiful city should mark my return.
-J.
Blog: 2010
Thursday December 31st, 2009, 11:53 pm by Janne AasbøWow, 2009 is done, I think it's time to sum up... somehow.
There's sure been plenty of ups and downs, hysterical laughter and sob sessions on the floor, many changes big and small, some surprising falls from grace, but more than that; amazing friends in (sometimes) unexpected places.
The biggest things happening around me this year... Well...
My sisters both moved out of town. My sister Heidi, at the start of the school year moved to Oslo, to that temptress, life in the capital (even though she's already smitten with that temptress, life in Copenhagen, and that Danish boyfriend, Mark). She's doing really well at her new school and she never had trouble finding new friends, within and without the deaf community, and I'm happy to report that the school she goes to (though not a school for the deaf) knows how to provide a good learning place for their deaf students (believe me, that's not always the case, where there is bureaucrats there will be obstacles). Heidi's someone who always has a big life plan (that changes every week), so she might be in Tokyo next year for all I know.
As for my stepsister Eyvor, she's moved way out to sea, to island (offensive me would say “barren rock”) living with her mom, stepfather, half-sisters- and brother. (Even my dad's eyes bugged out of his head when I told him what island it was, it's that far out to sea, also I think he's a wee bit jealous, I think he has a lighthouse guard fantasy, not that those exist anymore.) She's doing (what is it?) four weeks there and six weeks at home with her dad I think it is (like a North Sea worker), and she seems to be handling that awfully well. I often thought that it has to be hard, considering life doesn't stop in a place just because you leave (a sad fact I for one have learned), especially not for her fellow 13-year-olds at school. It seems to be going OK though, and it's not forever.
Also, I moved myself, though just across town. But it was an extremely positive change for me. I love this place. So much. It felt like home right away. You can say what you want, but homes have auras too, or whatever it is, energies maybe, personalities not only dependent on the people living in it. If you haven't moved around much, I dunno if you'll know what I'm talking about, but yeah, there it is.
There's also been some epiphanies, mostly of the good kind (though one time this year I had a totally scary cry because someone else was having a hard time and all I'd done was think about my own hard times, after which though, I totally pulled myself together and took charge, I guess it was a ball-finding sob, and though unsuccessfully yet, tried to solve my own troubles, it kinda slapped me out of my helplessness, or paralysis or whatever it was).
Then, of course, there was my highlight of 2009; my trip to Canada. And the highlights of that trip. That I find I can't quite get over. All the beauty (that country is a fucking cliche of itself, know that. There really are eagles flying overhead.) and the love. Canadians must be the most sincere, happy people I have ever met. I found myself going “it can't get more beautiful than this” at least three times on that trip, but then it did. (The 2010 Olympics will be a conflict of interest.)
There's also been some extraordinary kindnesses from you guys, my online peeps. I'm stunned. And you all deserve an amazing 2010.
Especially Jeremy, selfless as always, I know 2009's been a rough one, I hope you get a new start, I really do, you so deserve it, and anything else great coming your way.
And though we don't talk as often as I'd like these days, Ryan's always an absolute rock, always stocked with solutions (realistic and otherwise) to every problem. Next Christmas, pinky swear! (Or how about summer 2010?)
Also, Isaac, I think you might have been unofficially appointed my new shrink. I am so sorry. And thanks for letting me unload (or maybe “dump” is a better word) on you! I know it can't be pretty!
Mark (a different Mark) also came through in a big way for me this fall, I can't thank you enough, your generosity is amazing.
I don't talk to Kelly either much these days, but you're an absolute ray of sunshine, thanks for being you!
And thanks to EVERYONE who's so much as stopped by my website or galleries in the past year. Your criticism, praise and karma: not in vain.
I love you guys. Have a splendid 2010.
Janne
Blog: On Christmas - With Photos
Saturday December 26th, 2009, 7:25 pm by Janne AasbøOk, so a few notes on Christmas '09. I hope you all are having a good one!
I was rather grumpy before it all began, and my sister kinda rubbed my face in it, so I made an effort to pull it together, and for someone who doesn't like this time of year to begin with, it was actually ok.
I was in a pretty bad mood, since I had to split my Christmas Eve in half and I had to blow people off so much this past week, I could feel the disappointment, but it's mostly good now I think.
I've been working pretty late every evening this past week, and now I kinda reached the point where I needed some down time. So... Thank god for that. There's been some crazy days.
So - I spent the morning of Christmas Eve at my dad's with sis. I hadn't had time to clean the house (done now though, phew), or to do any laundry (yay, I have something to wear again), and sis took charge and decided my outfit, dug out from my mom's Portugese wardrobe.
So, I spent the morning watching Sweeney Todd as sis played hairdresser, among other things.
We celebrated at our dad's until it was sixish, then drove over to my mom to celebrate there.
All in all, was pretty good.
And, dad got me an iPod nano, and being without one for ages has been dull as dirt, especially walking and "busing" to and fro forever. So - yay.
Another gift of note, a picture of two Japanese girls in kimonos with a camera. On canvas, it's now over my couch. Win. My walls are pretty bare.
Also, I got a calendar from my stepsister with nature photos. Actually, both my sisters are pretty decent photographers. My sister's the one who provided most of these shots, she's been playing with my camera since Monday, I only just got it back.
JJ.
Happy Christmas!
Thursday December 24th, 2009, 7:17 am by Janne AasbøWishing everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Much love, JJ.
Create a playlist at MixPod.com
Sharing Something
Sunday December 20th, 2009, 11:40 am by Janne AasbøWorkin' on the chain gang this weekend, I don't have much time for updating (all my home time is down time), but I thought that 1. I'll mention a couple of things for you, and 2. I'll share some music.
First of all, I'm looking for a few astute readers, whom I want to sample a few pages of something. So do let me know if you're interested. I'll try to get the stuff sent out to your emails some time next week (don't hold me to that though, things have been crazy).
Also, I will try to make another vlog before New Years, I did have something I wanted to say to you all, but counting a few takes and several of the usual youtube glitches, it usually takes me hours and hours to get them out there, so I just don't know when I'll get to do it. So stay tuned.
Also, sharing some music to share something. Watched an episode of Merlin this morning (the show, not the movie with Sam Neill, though I have to say I am totally devoted to him), and now I can't stop quoting Tennyson. That's how my mind works.
So - here's Loreena McKennitt's music and Alfred Lord Tennyson's poetry; The Lady of Shalott (it's not complete though, only almost, since youtube has that ten minute rule).
Have a fab Sunday.
Create a MySpace Playlist at MixPod.com
- JJ.
Photography: More Shots From Portugal
Friday December 18th, 2009, 3:20 pm by Janne Aasbø
Both photos taken in Nazaré, Portugal.
- JJ.
Photography: Swept
Monday December 14th, 2009, 10:57 am by Janne Aasbø
Self-portrait done in Nazaré, Portugal in 2008.
I also did a tiny movie update at the Bulletin Board.
Sorry for the recent abscence!
- JJ.
Poetry: The Other Road
Thursday December 10th, 2009, 10:12 am by Janne AasbøNew poem written this morning, with some description this time:
When it all is said
Said and done
Who can love you and
Still be standing
There's Mary calling
Up a storm
Can I take from you
And not keep taking?
- Tori Amos
This poem was inspired by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl's Beautiful Creatures, which is an absolutely lovely book I highly recommend.
This is one of those poems where a sort of surreal landscape starts appearing in my head. A lot of people think I slap on the metaphors as thick as they'll go, while in fact I'm mostly just describing what I see, and that I mean most things in their literal sense (I may see them differently than most people though, I'm not denying that), and that's the case with this one.
I use a lot of concrete elements from the book (lemon trees, ceiling cracks, muddy hands, forks in the road), but mostly this is written from my own experiences with wishing and dreaming. How hope springs eternal even though you just wish you could shut your mind up, because it'd be easier that way, and you wouldn't be disappointed when those dreams are so far out there, they'd never come true in a million years.
I told you and I told you:
Take the other road instead,
But sometimes I can't stop dreaming
And my mind, it runs ahead;
It runs to where you're standing,
Past the road that is correct,
And I know you'd keep my head 'til
Mind and body can connect,
And through my raging hurricanes
The trees have all been skinned,
My love, you are not sturdy
Enough to bear that wind.
Their lines of fate are reaching
Down through the lemon trees,
I'm not sure we'll outrun them
As they spin our destinies,
There's only walls to keep them out,
But something brings us back
When your mind is working
Around the ceiling crack,
And when my soul bends 'round my bones
To suddenly transform,
Will you fear my disposition then,
For calling up a storm?
I'll conjure a Northeasterly;
We'll fly to distant lands,
But the other road will know us
By the mud on both our hands,
I'm thinking: “Not another step,
But please just go away,”
And even though I long to hear,
I wish you wouldn't say.
- JJ.
Video: Fun With Sign Language
Wednesday December 9th, 2009, 5:56 pm by Janne AasbøHeidi (face) and Sivan (hands) tell the amusing story of a pupil/teacher fight. (Not the best quality though, sorry!)
I also did another playlist update, it's been lying around my mixpod for a few weeks!
- J.
Links: Heidi's Blog and A Heidi Stalker Blog (?)
Tuesday December 8th, 2009, 8:23 pm by Janne AasbøI was just talking to my sis, and catching up on her blog, which you should all visit. It has been on my links page for quite some time, but it may have escaped your notice, so here's a link: HeidiSAa at blogg.no (in Norwegian, though).
That's the real one.
Also, I thought I should link to the Heidi stalker blog, made by a guy from Denmark, one of her friends, Serhat, the self-proclaimed gossip-monger and paparazzi when it comes to all things Heidi. So head on over there, it's really pretty funny: Alt om Heidi: heidisaa at blogspot.com.
Also, after hearing Marc saying "toodles" on Ugly Betty, I now can't stop singing Toodles Mr. Jim by Tori Amos. Yeah, random words do that to me. And since the song's so wonderful, I'm sharing it.
(Tori wrote it upon the death of her lovely neighbour, Mr. Jim, one of her favorite people growing up.)
- JJ.
New Playlist: Christmas
Tuesday December 8th, 2009, 5:14 pm by Janne AasbøOk, finally got 'round to going through that Christmas playlist I was talking about like a month ago. Well, it's not Christmas quite yet, is it?
You might find the contents somewhat surprising I guess, unless you know me, and knowing me, I put some funnies in there, also there's lots of languages in this one (English, French, Swedish, Latin and also the somewhat strange mix of Norwegian and English you'll find in the Norwegian show The Julekalender. Just... Don't try to understand, just go with the flow.)
I did my best to put your suggestions in there (made me discover some new ones by the way), the DA peeps were the most eager Christmas tune suggestors.
So... Enjoy. And since it's bearing down on us whether we like it or not: Happy holidays.
Create a playlist at MixPod.com
- JJ.
New Photo: It's All Green
Tuesday December 8th, 2009, 11:37 am by Janne Aasbø
Taken at Tonquin Park, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
- JJ.
New Playlist: Monday Blues - Not!
Monday December 7th, 2009, 11:27 am by Janne AasbøThis morning, hearing the woes of my fellow early risers with the Monday morning blues, I put this playlist together after randomly encountering these funny, upbeat songs in my thousands-upon-thousands song archives. I felt much better. Have a fab Monday! Enjoy. And smile. :)
Create a playlist at MixPod.com
- JJ.
New Poem: 48 Degrees
Sunday December 6th, 2009, 1:39 pm by Janne Aasbø48 Degrees
The skin has reached its boiling point
At 48 degrees,
You trace it from the topmost branch
And down between the trees,
I couldn't tell you where it hit,
Perhaps right where I stand?
How can you look the other way
And never once demand?
And sometimes it's surprising;
How you can be this bold;
To claim those walls and chimney
And then last night's porridge cold,
Have you ever thought that we
Just weren't made for this?
That the wind would not acknowledge us
With his far-traveled kiss?
Just don't come to your senses,
Immobilize and freeze,
Just stay locked in your frenzy
At 48 degrees.
-JJ.
New Photo: Pull Me Down
Friday December 4th, 2009, 12:23 pm by Janne Aasbø
Taken at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens, Chinatown, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- JJ.
Bulletin Board: Major Musical and Movie Update
Thursday December 3rd, 2009, 8:47 pm by Janne AasbøI finally got around to making small reviews and recommending some of those movies and filmed musicals I've been watching lately. It's a pretty major update, so I thought it was going overboard to cram it all into the news section, so instead: Here's a link over to the Bulletin Board.
The films are: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, The Phantom of the Opera, The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns, Snow White, Fiddler on the Roof and Cats. Head on over there, and (I hope you will, at least) watch the flicks.
- JJ.
New Photo: Floating Town
Tuesday December 1st, 2009, 8:35 pm by Janne Aasbø
Taken in Victoria, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.
- JJ.
New Blog: December Sisters, Christmas, The Times and Show Tunes
Tuesday December 1st, 2009, 12:07 pm by Janne AasbøSo, a new vlog has been requested by many of you, and I will get to that eventually, but I guess I haven't really felt up to it lately, I have to be “in the zone” I guess, to pull it off with minimal amounts of “eh...”s. So, I'll get back to you on that. For now: The average blog.
Work's been busy the last week (wow, what a change), which is also another reason I haven't done much updating. Christmas rush is really setting in, and like every other establishment, we're understaffed, but doing the best we can. So it's been quick, busy days up until the last 15 minutes before closing time (when yours truly draws breath). Lots of people, and lots of stuff going on in the city.
Also, I briefly saw my sister this weekend, she was in town for practice with the deaf national soccer team, and though she only had a few hours to spare, it was nice to catch up.
Both my sisters will be home for Christmas though, visiting the rest of us stuck in the middle, as it were.
Speaking of Christmas... What are you guys doing?
I guess I'll be living the gypsy life as usual. Not sure whether I'm spending Christmas Eve with my mother or father yet. I'll probably just go along with my sister's plan in the end I guess, she at least, usually has a plan.
(She also said this weekend: “Don't you delete any of those films on your computer, we're gonna watch'em all this Christmas.” Now that's a plan.)
I also don't know yet how much I'm working, so it's difficult to plan anything at all yet, since I really can't afford to take any days off.
I did sort of have plans of a trip to meet a friend, but as things have turned out, it's really not possible at present, which sort of sucks.
I also haven't done any Christmas shopping yet, obviously.
It's strange though, it's not really as hard times as you'd think. At least what I'm struggling with is a practical problem, very hands-on, and therefore it bothers me a lot less than it could have done. I just have to keep trying, which I really do.
When I compare this autumn to the one really hard time I've experienced, it's nothing at all in comparison. Though that was a somewhat practical problem too, it was of a nature that really got into my head, and fucked up every single part of my life (which these hard times don't do). So long as life doesn't go there again, I'll be fine.
Distraction comes easily enough, for which I'm thankful. Like good books I'm reading, and also my resurrected musical obsession. Musicals are so light and catchy, they're the perfect distraction for me at present.
There's also quite a bit of nostalgia there too, leftovers from my jazz dance days. I was never very good, but a decent dancer, and I did love it.
So, I've been watching filmed musicals I haven't seen since then, and watching musicals I'd never actually seen in its entirety but knew the music from, and some new versions (of note: Cats which is so much fun and one of my all-time faves, Fiddler on the Roof which is a great story, sad and comical, The Phantom of the Opera which I enjoy but want to re-write so Christine doesn't run off with Prettyboy and perhaps reversing the roles to get a female Phantom). I just can't stomach stuff like The Sound of Music and Singin' In the Rain, it's just too... standard (that's me trying to put it mildly).
Right now, at the top of the to-watch list is Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Can you believe I have never seen that? Shame, shame.
I also have a download list of stuff like Rent, Oklahoma, An American in Paris, A Chorus Line, Hair (which I have seen, but long, long ago), Fame, Pippin, The King and I and such things. I just realized it will take me forever to get, not to mention to watch all that. Oh well. It's fun. So, if you got some favorite I've yet neglected to mention, do hit me with it. Old, new, it doesn't matter.
So, summing up, with questions for the comments...
How will you spend your Christmas, what are your wishes and plans for it, if any?
Happy 1st of December!
Love, JJ.
December Playlist
Monday November 30th, 2009, 9:14 pm by Janne AasbøPlaylist for December is added to the Corkboard!
- JJ.
New Photo: I Told Them So
Monday November 30th, 2009, 3:55 pm by Janne Aasbø
Taken in Victoria, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
In my hometown, we used to have a whale on the first wall you'd see as you came into town, but that one was wearing a waistcoat and hat (I'm also pretty sure it had a saxophone, it's a jazz town after all). Now that wall is covered with a giant rose, which just isn't as funny.
- JJ.
December Corkboard Features Are Up (Well, Almost)
Monday November 30th, 2009, 10:45 am by Janne AasbøI just added all the Corkboard features for December except the playlist, which will be here Monday or Tuesday. Stay tuned! In the meantime, enjoy the rest!
- JJ.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday November 26th, 2009, 9:18 pm by Janne AasbøWell, even though we don't celebrate Thanksgiving over here, and even though it's sort of a strange holiday, I still thought I'd jot down this small note, because, after all, none of the above makes one less thankful.
I could write a novel on why I'm thankful for my freedom (we'll do that some other time though), the gift of gifts.
But also, I want to thank you all for, well, you. For being around, for being yourselves, and for supporting me in a BIG way, especially this autumn.
You know who you are.
Love you!
xoxo, JJ.
New Photo: Unafraid
November 25th, 2009, 1:37 pm by Janne Aasbø
Taken on a trip this fall, with my compact camera, but I thought I'd share anyway.
- JJ.
Bulletin Board: Angeltower Photography
November 24th, 2009, 9:12 am by Janne AasbøAngeltower at DeviantART
My sister's photos at DA! She's very talented and has great ideas, so give her a looksee!
- JJ.
New Photo: Some Things I Can't Change
November 21st, 2009, 8:06 am by Janne Aasbø
- JJ.
New Photo: I Hope
November 19th, 2009, 10:36 am by Janne Aasbø
Taken along the Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.
- JJ.
New Playlist (Fail?)
November 19th, 2009, 8:36 am by Janne AasbøI added another playlist yesterday (that's right, I just can't help myself), but forgot to put it on here last night. But it's over there if you wanna have a listen to some Stephen goodness.
I did have some issues with it though, when I played it yesterday, it refused to play some of the tracks for some reason, but when I tried again a moment later, it seemed fine, so when in doubt, try clicking the track one more time, see what happens. And give me a shout on the off chance it really is messed up.
- JJ.
New Photo: They Won't Find Us
November 17th, 2009, 10:25 am by Janne Aasbø
Taken in Tonquin Park, Tofino, on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.
- JJ.
New Playlist: Disney & Dreamworks
November 16th, 2009, 12:56 pm by Janne AasbøNeither Disney nor Dreamworks do anything half-ass in their animated movies, music included, so here are some faves.
On The Lion King: This has been my favorite Disney movie since it came in '94. It was truly epic, and I remember from the time I lived in Molde, how me and my friend Ida Marie used to always make sure to see the music video at the end of the VHS version, with Jimmy Cliff and Lebo M (the video is also in the playlist if you click the right spot). So of my love for Lebo M (who did the opening cry) and his South African choir (instead of going sappy with Elton John) chanting in Swahili for the lion to rule (busa simba!), I also added many of the tunes from Rhythm of the Pride Lands.
On Pochontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame: These are both films where the lyricist is Stephen Schwartz, whom I am in awe of, because of these films and his musical Wicked, all epically awesome. My feminist self also admired the strong women of these flicks from a young age. I'm also in awe of the cast of these, especially David Ogden Stiers (Pocahontas) who plays the parts of both Ratcliffe and Wiggins.
On The Prince of Egypt: Dreamworks' most epic film in my opinion. A wonderful story, wonderfully done. My highlight is Ofra Haza (who left all too soon), one of my favourite singers, in the part of Yocheved. I also can't help ordering you to download Yerushalayim Shel Zahav (or Jerusalem of Gold), so you can hear what an amazing voice she was. Also, Steve Martin and Martin Short require no introduction, do they?
On Brother Bear and Tarzan: Both fabulous movies (I always cry when I watch Brother Bear, and I'm rarely able to figure out why exactly), with awesome musical work, gotta love Tina Turner and Phil Collins (and Alaskan names for that matter).
Create a playlist at MixPod.com
- JJ.
New Poetry: Bones
November 15th, 2009, 10:20 pm by Janne AasbøNot sure I can explain this to you, except that it's about familiarity/unfamiliarity, but I'd love to hear your thoughts though.
Bones
No, I didn't listen for
A minute, or at all,
But consciousness is all we know,
And was, if you recall
To see your shadow fall around me;
What's familiar, not strange,
To hear your cracking bones and watching
As they re-arrange.
And spotting you among them,
Right there, paralyzed with cold,
How you wanted nothing from me
Is a wonder to behold,
The more you give, the more I want;
It's well within my range,
And I can stand it as your bones
Go cold and re-arrange.
There's no moon out tonight, but still
I see where Mars has flown,
There's that jolt again, I think:
“I wish he could have known.”
And so above your head I spot
The planets' orbit change,
I feel the bones beneath your skin
Now shift and re-arrange.
You whip your hair into the wind;
The strands that smell of smoke,
It's curious how everything
Can change in just one stroke.
No one thought of wording it,
This permanent exchange,
But all the while your bones will float
And form and re-arrange.
- JJ.
New Photos: Summer Mornings and Milkey Love
November 14th, 2009, 9:31 pm by Janne Aasbø
Bring Me Down was taken shortly before I moved, on my way home on a summer morning.
Melkens Venner means "friends of the milk" or something to that effect. This is a shot that's very characteristic of my sister, the chocolate-milk-through-a-straw love.
- JJ.
New Playlist: Show Tunes
November 13th, 2009, 6:53 pm by Janne AasbøI love musicals. But, let me specify: Twirling in the Austrian mountains just can't hold a candle to femme fatales in Chicago, I'm sorry. So, here are some favorites. Since mixpod is a bit messy:
From Chicago (my fav) by John Kander and Fred Ebb: All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, When You're Good to Mama, We Both Reached For the Gun, I Move On and Nowadays.
From Wicked by Stephen Schwartz (he's been one of my favorite lyricists since he worked on Disney's Pocahontas): Popular, Defying Gravity, I'm Not That Girl, As Long As You're Mine and No Good Deed.
From Guys and Dolls by Frank Loesser: Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat and Luck Be A Lady.
From The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Phantom of the Opera and The Music of the Night.
From Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber (and I'll have you know it's based on Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, which is excellent by the way, and though Cats has to be the most ridiculous musical ever, it's so much fun): Jellicle Songs For Jellicle Cats, The Rum Tum Tugger, Macavity the Mystery Cat and Memory.
Create a playlist at MixPod.com
- JJ.
Four New Poems
November 12th, 2009, 09:09 am by Janne AasbøYesterday was a productive day, and in between everything I did, I found myself making notes, also when I wasn't even at home, and as I was still dripping from the shower. Oh well.
The new writing with descriptions:
Dear Mr. President
Strangely, this was something I thought of in the shower (from now on known as the thinking box). Just expressing my disappointment that I won't be flying to work any time soon.
Dear Mr. President,
Where is my hovercraft?
I mentioned it to Nixon, but
He only shrugged and laughed,
Where sir, is my jet pack?
My male, robotic whore?
All of which you promised me
By 1984,
Where is my pill-shaped breakfast
Or my automatic draft?
Dear sir, Mr. President
Where is my hovercraft?
Sugar Ration
I am having a rather hard time at the moment, as some of you may know. I'm desperately trying to get a third job, but have so far been unsuccessful. So, being economically screwed, I tried to ration everything in an attempt to not spend any money, including my sugar. And I love sugar, so this is something like a lament for my sugar ration.
Also, I guess I should explain that there are many references to Tori Amos in here. She is the one who says "sugar, bring me sugar" in her song (yes) Sugar. She's also the Cornflake Girl who mocks me with that song right now, normally I love it.
And there's also some Alice in Wonderland references to dangerous foods, but I think you all got that.
My sugar ration's dwindling and
There's frost outside today,
Get the number of your dealer since
I always hear you say:
“Sugar, bring me sugar,”
As we pas de deux and twirl,
Oh, see, now I get it:
Do you mock me, Cornflake Girl?
See, my sugar ration's speaking
Like a cake in Wonderland:
“Won't you eat me, won't you drink me,”
With that bland cup in your hand?
The bowl is all but empty, but
With eagerness and haste
Like some exotic lover says:
“You know you want a taste.”
Lipton Yellow Label
Sometimes I find myself obsessing over the little things in life, like a mug of Lipton Yellow Label Tea (my dad's preferred brand). Call me crazy.
The sunny steam is able
In each lemon-coated fable
To dance across the table
From my Lipton Yellow Label.
1923
This poem came directly from a thought I had that went something like "oh my god, I've been so selfish. He kept me afloat back then, now I have to keep him afloat." The year 1923 is used to represent hard times.
In depression-era lighting
I can hardly ever see,
So you don't have to not be scared;
It's 1923.
We'll smile about it later when
We finally agree;
Maybe if we listen, 'cause
It's 1923.
And so I am to him today
The role you held for me;
Depression-era lighting,
Love, it's 1923.
- JJ.
New (Well, Long Neglected) Photos
November 11th, 2009, 11:45 am by Janne Aasbø
I Said I Did was something I edited a long time ago, then completely ignored. It was shot by Line Svendsen, and yours truly is the model.
Need was done last autumn I believe, but only edited today (see, I've been digging up some older stuff).
Acid Rain on Gargoyles is a detail of some carving at the cathedral in Trondheim, Nidarosdomen. I really don't remember when I shot that. Oh well.
- xoxo J.
Vlog: You Rock
November 10th, 2009, 12:59 pm by Janne AasbøNew vlog on job applications, friends' support and rocking.
- JJ.
Bulletin Board: The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan
November 9th, 2009, 10:04 am by Janne AasbøAnother minuscule review, well, more of a feature. I'm hard at work reading here.
Sixteen-year-old Nick knows that demons are real.
Magicians call up demons in exchange for their power. The demons can appear in any shape, show you marvels, promise you anything - until you invite them in and recieve the mark.
What happens next? First you get possessed. Then you die.
Nick's been on the run his whole life, ever since his mother stole a charm from the most feared magician of them all, and the only person he trusts is his brother Alan. Alan's just been marked by a demon. Only Nick can save him, but to do so he must face the magicians - and kill them. The hunt is on, and Nick's going to discover things he never dreamed were our there... - Book cover
Whoa, I really liked this one, so check it out! This is one dark, funny (I was laughing from paragraph 2), foxy and touching urban fantasy. Wonderfully full of twisted surprises. I'll definitely be waiting for the sequel.
- JJ.
New Blog: Status Report
November 7th, 2009, 9:46 pm by Janne AasbøOk, a quick update this evening, a status report.
Job hunting: Not going so well, it's really difficult. I'm guessing one of the other gigs will pick up toward Christmas, but seriously, I need a third job anyway. Right now it seems to be at a standstill though, but I'm doing what I can.
The number of fantasy novels I've gone through in the past month is really a testament to the hard times I'm in. There's a direct connection between hard times and supernatural novels, and that line is escapism.
Apart from reading those I already have, I recently got a gift from an American friend, Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, and now, after one little gift, I'm feeling totally geedy, and seriously contemplating tricking someone into buying me another one, like Kami and Margaret's Beautiful Creatures.
Seriously, these books are like a drug to me, but I do need them more than usual right now. I need the escape, the future is seriously uncertain, and the present is... penniless. I don't really dare tell you how I'm not exaggerating.
I'm in pretty decent spirits though, just knowing I've been through worse works for me, and there are some extraordinary kindnesses out there, you guys are awsome! I might possibly have told a couple of people they're "full of shit", and yeah, I'm real sorry, it's just that some people are more ambitious on my behalf than I am myself. Wow, I guess I'll never learn to listen. Sorry. I do love you guys, though!
JJ.
Picture Glitch?
November 7th, 2009, 8:54 pm by Janne AasbøHmm... The picture in my last post below for some reason doesn't show up on my screen (I dunno about yours), but it seems fine if you click it. So, umm... Click it.
- JJ.
New Digital Art
November 7th, 2009, 8:47 pm by Janne AasbøI thought I'd share this even though I rarely share my digital stuff anymore. I was bored this morning, and didn't feel like doing anything but listening to music, so I just did some random photoshop work. Did a wolf piece, it was the first thing I could think of. So... No serious piece, I was just very obsessed with birches for like an hour. Enjoy.
- JJ.
New Poem: Shiver
November 6th, 2009, 10:18 pm by Janne AasbøI was planning on doing a whole lot of other writing today, but then Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver came in the mail; a gift from an American friend. So those plans were cut short by yet another literary obsession.
I stopped to write this when I was about a hundred pages into the book (it's breaking my heart by the way), and though I usually veer way off course when I try to write a poem as a tribute to another literary work, I always seem to make it about me, me, me instead, but I think I did pretty well with this one.
Shiver
When the frost gives up its conquest
And I shiver into spring,
And the branches start to beckon
At the South winds for a fling,
My mind will always run ahead
To colder days than these;
I'll let the slate erase me, maybe
Then my heart might freeze.
But she said that she remembers
The blood upon the snow,
It melts her into being and
I hope she'll always know.
So the silence all but deafens;
Even if you'd never shout,
I just wish someone would break it,
Will you breathe and blow it out?
If I ever was desired,
And whatever I became,
I despair to leave her presence and
Forget her very name,
I'll deny it 'til tomorrow,
I will brush off and ignore
That I'll fade into the birches
'Til I'm shivering no more.
- JJ.
Bulletin Board: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatick
November 5th, 2009, 9:25 pm by Janne AasbøMy small, jawdropped review:
Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgement.
But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide wether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth tha