Journey of a Lifetime

Wish I could plunge right back into writing but these past few weeks have been filled with SO MUCH stuff that I think I need a bit of time to process it all.  My blog byline--journey of a lifetime says it all right now.  These past two weeks feel as though that journey has come to an emotional culmination for me.  Really hitting me over the head and forcing me to do some intense soul searching.  And if I think about it and am honest, even though there has been a great deal of pain and burbling up of awareness to things that I have pushed down for a VERY long time, that too is part of the journey.  Clearly, I am not meant to stay in the safe place that I have been for a number of years but am being asked to move into unknown territory to live my story.  

In the meantime, I have to share this video with you.  I personally feel life would be great if things like this happened more often.  What a blast!  A good dance can do a body and mind good!

Barber's Adagio for Strings, op.11

Last evening, I received my final Christmas present.  Took awhile to get here but well worth the wait.  My daughter, Taylor, had purchased two tickets to the Chicago Symphony for a performance of what I consider the most beautiful piece of music ever written, Barber's Adagio for Strings, op.11.   

When I first heard this piece, about 5 or 6 years ago, it felt like the evolution of a passionate love story for me. Starting slow and cautiously, the music is delicate, fragile--sure of what it is but holding back, unwilling to reveal all.  Gaining strength, it works its way to an intense cresendo, an acknowledgment to all the passion that exists between two people.  Finally, it becomes secure.  No longer holding back, trusting, mature.  Exactly what a love story should be. 

During a particularly trying time , I found myself listening to it and an entirely different story emerged.  I shared with my daughter that if the world, mankind, Earth, could mourn, could collectively feel all the pain and suffering that exists, it would sound like Barber's Adagio.  Yes, I know--heavy thoughts.  Occasionally one comes across heavy times.  

Last night's performance was beautiful.  It was lighter, more restrained than other interpretations I have heard yet equally magnificent.  To watch the performers make the music speak, weaving magic with their talent and instruments was so moving.  For some I am sure it was methodical and merely a piece to preform.  For others, they were the music.   Whether it was a love story, a collective sigh of grief or some other interpretation, each performer became that story for seven minutes.  

I found a clip of a performance from London Symphony Hall for you to listen to.  It is long, about 10 minutes.  Listening to it would be the best 10 minutes you could give yourself today. Close your eyes and let it take you by the hand to wherever it leads.  Be the music.  

P.S.  Thank you Taylor.

Photo credit: natalamc@flickr

Le Grande Roue de la Concorde

Enjoy the ride.

Admirez Paris depuis la Grande Roue de la Concorde
envoyé par mairiedeparis

Santa Baby and les Sapins de Noël

A video for your Parisian Christmas pleasure.  

Chanel and Moscow

I found this little video clip over the weekend and thought it would be fun to share.  Karl Lagerfeld, designer of all things Chanel, produced this silent film to introduce a pre-fall ready to wear collection that was inspired by all things Russian.  The mini-movie was made in two days at a studio outside of Paris.  Some of the actors you'll see are actual workers from the Chanel atelier.  Curiously entertaining.  

For the entire movie visit Chanel  

Additional information:  Karl Lagerfeld's silent cinema brings Moscow to Paris (iht.com)