Monday, September 8, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Missing Men
Being left by men. The relationships of the women they leave. Wives. Children. Daughters. Sisters. This cliché has existed for centuries, probably thousands of years, since men have always been the ones able to leave. Allowed is probably the better word. And despite its cliché-ness, it is ever so real to so many people I know. Specifically me. My own family. I have been brought back to this central theme by so many things in the past few days. Silly things, like movies and songs and a particular book. Regardless, it has struck a chord that I usually can keep hidden. And I tried to ignore it, but the pain of abandonment is never forgotten. And the ways in which the leftover women grasp at the ropes of understanding. Punishing themselves, criticizing the ways in which their sisters or mothers ‘handle’ it, hating what they too are incapable of overcoming. It’s excruciating. To know that the one’s they should be blaming are far away. And so they poke and prod and tear down themselves and others with the aching knowledge that no one should have felt any of this to begin with. Each child or mother bringing a specific kind of hurt to the table. And watching as it mingles with others and becomes a collective, destructive, and indiscernible force. Yet, it is so clear. It is because they are missing.
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Wednesday, September 3, 2008
You Heard it here First, Edition IX
My flurry of posting was short lived dontcha think? It's been over a week and I really don't have anything exciting going on in my life. Mainly just ignoring the fact that my life in portland is very close to being over, and catching up with friends. And of course by 'catching up with friends' I mean eating too much food, watching silly netflix movies, and getting drunk on tequilla in southwest portland with almost the entire 1L class from Lewis and Clark Law School. Yeah. So instead of an update of actual substance, I bring you more musical musings that have been piling up in my texts "drafts" box of my phone. It's like talking to myself, but modernized.
1. I was positively certain that I had already featured this artist, but in my look back at the old editions, I could not find her. So I will plug her songs officially here. Her name is Adele. Fabulously talented, British, has a little bit of everything in her style, but its got lots of soul, some acoustic, and majah tude. Hmmm, picking one to share here is hard, but I'll go with the more melodramatic "Chasing Pavements", but theres also the really awesome shake ya ass "Hometown High Contrast Remix".
Ps: isn't this video SICK!?
2. I will confess that I found this song while watching the 90210 remake/comeback show last night. My first ever venture into the CW teeny-bop genre (and just FYIL: it will not become a habit, the show was blech-to-ok and I really only watched to see if Brenda and Kelly would scratch eachothers eyes out). But the co-ed band, called Tilly and the Wall was worth watching intellect-poaching-bad-acting to find. They come from Nebraska and they..... ROCK. It's like a punk version of the bangles mixed with some White stripes-esque beats. If their trippy tie-dyed myspace page and their recent show at SXSW is any indication of their awesomeness, then I am impressed. Enjoy "Pot Kettle Black".
ps: I also recommend "Beat Control"!
4. I remember the night well,(shocking I know). It was a hang out, beer, bean bags, hookah night at the FarmHouse senior year. We were on the porch in the wee hours of the morning. Alex insisted that he put "The Beautiful Girls" on my itunes (which was supplying the music on the smoky porch). They are a group from down under (since 2002) who has haunted me since college. Producing some really amazing roots/folk/reggae/often-minimalist type music, they have been compared to the likes of Ben Harper, Jack Johnson etc etc. I would reccomend "Freedom" if you're looking for mellow, and "Under a Southern Sky" if you're looking for some jam-band type festival rock. I would leave you with the song that brought me back to them, on my almost dead ipod the other day, a song call The Blackbird, but unfortunately it's not on youtube, so I'll leave you this one. Ashes. (disclaimer: I was unaware of the kissing stuff before I chose this video, so don't go getting all analytical).
5. Oh Wyclef. The only ex-Fugee to still have a career. I'm glad he's still around, cause everything he does sounds great, and there's just something about his voice. Maybe it's the fact that I could sing along to this song with my mother (after the shock and embarassment that we knew the same song wore off). Or maybe that his album with the giant pink thing on it confused me from my older sisters CD binder for years. (I later found out it was a pink carnival mask instead of what I could have sworn was a pink fist). But regardless, his stuff is Gold! Here's Fast Car. And it features Paul Simon. Holla!
6. Orange Sky. By Alexi Murdoch. And oldie (as in it's been around for awhile) but the Taxi Driver and I bonded over it a couple weeks ago (yay for normal and clean radio cab drivers in pdx) and so I've been reminded of its brilliance. Watch out for flashbacks to teen angst shows that it's been featured in (as well as basically any 'end of the episode emotional montage' ever made). Sounds a lot like Jeff Buckley mixed with a bluesy and slower James Taylor. And since I refuse to post one of the many youtube versions of this song that glorified the current war, I give you a live version.
7. The Review God of my Rock and Roll youth was none other than the wonderful and weirdly oversized Rolling Stone Magazine. And this past tuesday, as I hung with my two favorite Baracks (the man on the cover of the magazine and my haistylist of the same extremely rare name), I caught up on the all the amazingness within. The group is called "The Hold Steady" and after reading, I was convinced they were for me. A brooklyn band with minnesota roots (punk infused, yet also very midwest america rock/blues sounding) their song called "Chips Ahoy" kind of reminds me of the Empire Records soundtrack (hey maris, remember when we watched that were obsessed with that one song by sugarcult for about three days?!), but the stuff from their new album (Stay Positive) is considerably more mature and mellow (but with an appropriate dash of 'weezer' type intensity). Jesus that was a run on sentence, I apologize. Anyways, I can't quite figure out which song to suggest, so I say "go do it yourself" to this one.
8.. Jessie Baylin - she is another artist that I feel like I have mentioned before, but I am now (after this long ass post) too lazy look her up in my past editions, so I am going to recommend her anyways. She is another one of those folky-poppy-sexy female artists that I would practically go gay for. They are intelligent and mysterious and really really good at guitar. And she happens to have toured with Brett Dennen, so immediately think...I. Must. Listen. Now. Her debut album is fabulous (shared a producer with Norah Jones), and her new album Firesight is out this year. Random fact: she's engaged to one of the cool dudes from Kings of Leon. So anyways, her song 'Leave Your Mark' is one of my favorites. Here's a live version!
.
1. I was positively certain that I had already featured this artist, but in my look back at the old editions, I could not find her. So I will plug her songs officially here. Her name is Adele. Fabulously talented, British, has a little bit of everything in her style, but its got lots of soul, some acoustic, and majah tude. Hmmm, picking one to share here is hard, but I'll go with the more melodramatic "Chasing Pavements", but theres also the really awesome shake ya ass "Hometown High Contrast Remix".
Ps: isn't this video SICK!?
2. I will confess that I found this song while watching the 90210 remake/comeback show last night. My first ever venture into the CW teeny-bop genre (and just FYIL: it will not become a habit, the show was blech-to-ok and I really only watched to see if Brenda and Kelly would scratch eachothers eyes out). But the co-ed band, called Tilly and the Wall was worth watching intellect-poaching-bad-acting to find. They come from Nebraska and they..... ROCK. It's like a punk version of the bangles mixed with some White stripes-esque beats. If their trippy tie-dyed myspace page and their recent show at SXSW is any indication of their awesomeness, then I am impressed. Enjoy "Pot Kettle Black".
ps: I also recommend "Beat Control"!
4. I remember the night well,(shocking I know). It was a hang out, beer, bean bags, hookah night at the FarmHouse senior year. We were on the porch in the wee hours of the morning. Alex insisted that he put "The Beautiful Girls" on my itunes (which was supplying the music on the smoky porch). They are a group from down under (since 2002) who has haunted me since college. Producing some really amazing roots/folk/reggae/often-minimalist type music, they have been compared to the likes of Ben Harper, Jack Johnson etc etc. I would reccomend "Freedom" if you're looking for mellow, and "Under a Southern Sky" if you're looking for some jam-band type festival rock. I would leave you with the song that brought me back to them, on my almost dead ipod the other day, a song call The Blackbird, but unfortunately it's not on youtube, so I'll leave you this one. Ashes. (disclaimer: I was unaware of the kissing stuff before I chose this video, so don't go getting all analytical).
5. Oh Wyclef. The only ex-Fugee to still have a career. I'm glad he's still around, cause everything he does sounds great, and there's just something about his voice. Maybe it's the fact that I could sing along to this song with my mother (after the shock and embarassment that we knew the same song wore off). Or maybe that his album with the giant pink thing on it confused me from my older sisters CD binder for years. (I later found out it was a pink carnival mask instead of what I could have sworn was a pink fist). But regardless, his stuff is Gold! Here's Fast Car. And it features Paul Simon. Holla!
6. Orange Sky. By Alexi Murdoch. And oldie (as in it's been around for awhile) but the Taxi Driver and I bonded over it a couple weeks ago (yay for normal and clean radio cab drivers in pdx) and so I've been reminded of its brilliance. Watch out for flashbacks to teen angst shows that it's been featured in (as well as basically any 'end of the episode emotional montage' ever made). Sounds a lot like Jeff Buckley mixed with a bluesy and slower James Taylor. And since I refuse to post one of the many youtube versions of this song that glorified the current war, I give you a live version.
7. The Review God of my Rock and Roll youth was none other than the wonderful and weirdly oversized Rolling Stone Magazine. And this past tuesday, as I hung with my two favorite Baracks (the man on the cover of the magazine and my haistylist of the same extremely rare name), I caught up on the all the amazingness within. The group is called "The Hold Steady" and after reading, I was convinced they were for me. A brooklyn band with minnesota roots (punk infused, yet also very midwest america rock/blues sounding) their song called "Chips Ahoy" kind of reminds me of the Empire Records soundtrack (hey maris, remember when we watched that were obsessed with that one song by sugarcult for about three days?!), but the stuff from their new album (Stay Positive) is considerably more mature and mellow (but with an appropriate dash of 'weezer' type intensity). Jesus that was a run on sentence, I apologize. Anyways, I can't quite figure out which song to suggest, so I say "go do it yourself" to this one.
8.. Jessie Baylin - she is another artist that I feel like I have mentioned before, but I am now (after this long ass post) too lazy look her up in my past editions, so I am going to recommend her anyways. She is another one of those folky-poppy-sexy female artists that I would practically go gay for. They are intelligent and mysterious and really really good at guitar. And she happens to have toured with Brett Dennen, so immediately think...I. Must. Listen. Now. Her debut album is fabulous (shared a producer with Norah Jones), and her new album Firesight is out this year. Random fact: she's engaged to one of the cool dudes from Kings of Leon. So anyways, her song 'Leave Your Mark' is one of my favorites. Here's a live version!
.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Help!
I know I have 'plugged' the organization that I'm going to South Africa with before, and have them linked on my sidebar, but I am asking all of you (probably like 5 readers) to go check out their website as they are going through some very rough times financially. They have many community partners, government grants, and official 'nonprofit' status, but the costs of running such an amazing program are large and overwhelming. They are a family dedicated to their work and as I get to know them more and more lately as I prepare for my trip, I am keenly aware of their needs.
Sooooo, If you have an interest in contributing, you can find their 'secure payment' link at the top left of their page (its on the main page, no tab-clicking needed).
Another option: I encourage you to check out their "wish list" (on the right side of the "support us page") which shows the things they need to run the program and take care of the babes! At the top of the page, under the title there are several green tabs, click on the "support us" tab and you will see many many orange link options such as "shop for the babies" and "contribute on a monthly basis hassle free" etc.
So, instead of this being a dry info-mercial-type plea for nonprofit donation to needy children, this is me, Claire, asking for your generousity to help an organization that I will be working with next year. Its a tangible way to be involved. Go for it!
Love and peace
-Claire Catherine
.
Sooooo, If you have an interest in contributing, you can find their 'secure payment' link at the top left of their page (its on the main page, no tab-clicking needed).
Another option: I encourage you to check out their "wish list" (on the right side of the "support us page") which shows the things they need to run the program and take care of the babes! At the top of the page, under the title there are several green tabs, click on the "support us" tab and you will see many many orange link options such as "shop for the babies" and "contribute on a monthly basis hassle free" etc.
So, instead of this being a dry info-mercial-type plea for nonprofit donation to needy children, this is me, Claire, asking for your generousity to help an organization that I will be working with next year. Its a tangible way to be involved. Go for it!
Love and peace
-Claire Catherine
.
Friday, August 22, 2008
My Literary To-Do List
Here are 4 books I hope to have finished by the time I leave Portland
1. Heart of Darkness - for no particular reason other than the fact that it's one of those "everyone always mentions it, it must be full of wisdom" type books and the title has always bewitched me. Does anyone have a copy? Either way, I will be stopping by Powells for a worn and loved edition, I always feel more involved when I know its been devoured whole-heartedly by someone just like me.
2. Tar Baby - In my quest to read all of my idols books (ahem Toni Morrison if you didn't go to holynames), I havent found any of them as hard to get into as this one. The characters are lovely, but if you have been out of habit of reading her, it is often hard to find the rhythm of and follow the dialogue. It's coming along, and the cover is so pretty that I know I will stick to it.
3. Leaving the Saints: How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith - I began reading this on a trip to Powells my sophmore year of college and have not stopped thinking about it. Despite my almost creepy curiousity into cults and the 'weird' religions, this book did not strike me as a detailing of such life, but more so as a real memoir about a woman struggling to let go and regain her life. If I remember correctly, I was about 1/3 of the way through, so when I pick up my 6 dollar copy, I'm sure it will be quickly over.
4. This one is not a book, it is a chapter of a giant textbook (titled Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry) that has accompanied my bedside (I would say table, but what I really mean is shoe covered floor) for awhile now. I am currently in the middle of "Human Development Throughout the Lifecycle" and I. CAN. DO. IT.
5. My Antonia - Will Cather. I am going to re-read My Antonia because I LOVED this book as child (my mom said I read it like three times in sixth grade) but like every other movie or book that I havent watched or read at least 50 times, I can't remember it. Damn memory. I loathe thee. Plus, its rather short and will make this 5-books-in-one-month thing actually possible.
Any suggestions of books to add to my "Seatle for four months" reading list?
.
1. Heart of Darkness - for no particular reason other than the fact that it's one of those "everyone always mentions it, it must be full of wisdom" type books and the title has always bewitched me. Does anyone have a copy? Either way, I will be stopping by Powells for a worn and loved edition, I always feel more involved when I know its been devoured whole-heartedly by someone just like me.
2. Tar Baby - In my quest to read all of my idols books (ahem Toni Morrison if you didn't go to holynames), I havent found any of them as hard to get into as this one. The characters are lovely, but if you have been out of habit of reading her, it is often hard to find the rhythm of and follow the dialogue. It's coming along, and the cover is so pretty that I know I will stick to it.
3. Leaving the Saints: How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith - I began reading this on a trip to Powells my sophmore year of college and have not stopped thinking about it. Despite my almost creepy curiousity into cults and the 'weird' religions, this book did not strike me as a detailing of such life, but more so as a real memoir about a woman struggling to let go and regain her life. If I remember correctly, I was about 1/3 of the way through, so when I pick up my 6 dollar copy, I'm sure it will be quickly over.
4. This one is not a book, it is a chapter of a giant textbook (titled Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry) that has accompanied my bedside (I would say table, but what I really mean is shoe covered floor) for awhile now. I am currently in the middle of "Human Development Throughout the Lifecycle" and I. CAN. DO. IT.
5. My Antonia - Will Cather. I am going to re-read My Antonia because I LOVED this book as child (my mom said I read it like three times in sixth grade) but like every other movie or book that I havent watched or read at least 50 times, I can't remember it. Damn memory. I loathe thee. Plus, its rather short and will make this 5-books-in-one-month thing actually possible.
Any suggestions of books to add to my "Seatle for four months" reading list?
.
Fall Start Bitches
Unless you work in my office, it is hard to explain how insanely funny this is. And even better is that this was my boss' idea.
Peace Out
-School of Nursing Staff
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Peace Out
-School of Nursing Staff
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Things I Don't Want to Hear on a Blind Date
"I'm always singing, always have music in my head, it's like I hear radio stations or something. We put so much out there, on frequencies, that who knows what we're picking up"
"Whenever I walk into a room, I feeeeel the room, like take in the vibes and the sense of what's going on, and I just feeeeel the room" (stoner voice)
"Even when I met her she was in a lesbian relationship, but I just really could feeel that there was something big about to happen in my life, so our son was definitely that stabilizing thing that I needed. So we moved to Phoenix. And she's still a lesbian."
"The lady who works reception at my work, is Uzbekistan-y, and they think she's a spy. She works with the door closed all the time. It's weird. And she can't get a hold of her family alot. Maybe she is a spy!"
"I think I sweat a lot more when I wear headphones, I don't know what it is, but it's definitely true. I just get really really wet whenever I'm rocking out, especially when I'm doing chores around the house. It's like they keep the heat in!"
.
"Whenever I walk into a room, I feeeeel the room, like take in the vibes and the sense of what's going on, and I just feeeeel the room" (stoner voice)
"Even when I met her she was in a lesbian relationship, but I just really could feeel that there was something big about to happen in my life, so our son was definitely that stabilizing thing that I needed. So we moved to Phoenix. And she's still a lesbian."
"The lady who works reception at my work, is Uzbekistan-y, and they think she's a spy. She works with the door closed all the time. It's weird. And she can't get a hold of her family alot. Maybe she is a spy!"
"I think I sweat a lot more when I wear headphones, I don't know what it is, but it's definitely true. I just get really really wet whenever I'm rocking out, especially when I'm doing chores around the house. It's like they keep the heat in!"
.
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