I'm in my bathrobe, fuzzy slippers on my feet, and I have a hot cuppa brewing on the counter. It's also not quite 7am, DB is still sleeping, and I'm burning CD's like a madwoman. Yup, it's Saturday, a Festival Day, at the Arizona Renaissance Festival!
It's the fourth weekend, Faery Weekend. It's inconceivable that it's the fourth weekend already. Inconceivable! And before you say anything, dear Reader - I know I have at least one - I know what that word means.
Seriously, though, this post isn't about fuzzy slippers, tea, or how many weeks have passed since our cross country trip. This isn't even a post about how frantic my mornings are. This is a post about movies. Yeah, you heard me, MOVIES!
Yesterday I saw two animated flicks that blew me away. First was Rango. This movie is amazing. Don't believe me, read Mr. Ebert's review. The movie is fantastic. For those of you who don't like spoilers, trust me, I'm not posting any. The voice acting was phenomenal. The humour was more for the adults, but it wasn't raunchy. The animation was spectacular. The music was amazing. There was PLOT. There was humour. There was NO 3-D. I had a fantastic time, as did the audience I saw it with based on the guffaws and laughter that filled theater. This was a Good Time.
Last night I watched How to Train Your Dragon for the first time. I had no idea what to expect, but I was thrilled that I was watching it in 2D. It was FUN. It was more family friendly than Rango, and the music was superb. The voice acting was a hoot. Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera and David Tennant! Christopher Mintz-Plasse was also great. The dragons, a large part of the flick, were well done. Again, you will find no spoilers here, but let me tell you that I am always a little worried about how dragons are portrayed (drawn, characterized & voiced) in films. What can I say, I'm a big of a dragonphile. No worries in this movie. Here's a review from EW when it first came out. While I liked Rango a little more, How to Train Your Dragon will be moving onto my "Must Own & Watch with DB Often" list. In addition, I'm going to find the books (either the audiobooks, which were voiced by Mr. Tennant, or the paper version) and read them.
If you like films, animated or not, I highly recommend both of these movies.
Happy Watching!
Love,
Mel
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Disconnecting
I like the internet. I like being connected to friends all across the world. I like watching silly things on youtube. I like writing things on LiveJournal, playing games on FaceBook and tweeting things throughout the day. I enjoy being connected That said, it's nice to disconnect too. Turn off the phone, unplug the computer and just enjoy the stillness. Do you know what I don't like? Forced disconnection.
Last year the wifi service at AZRF was atrocious. Seriously, I could barely get anything done. It wasn't just me either. Most of the folks onsite had a horrible time with the wifi. This year its been terrific. Really, a complete 180. I've been able to use skype, watch hulu, watch youtube and there have been few-to-no glitches. That is, until two days ago.
I get really frustrated when I can't get online. Really. Frustrated. To the point where I want to cause bodily harm to things. I know, that's not very Om of me, but it's the truth.
I tried everything possible to figure out why my connection wasn't connecting. I had friends help me. I rebooted my system more times than I can remember. I called the help line six times and left detailed messages. They never called me back, which just pissed me off further. Today, however, I finally got through to someone. We spent 10 minutes chatting about the problem, and the tech kept saying, "I've never seen this problem. Are you sure you're not mistyping your user/password?" I refrained from any profanity or voice raising and was quite adult about the whole thing. For those of you that know me, you know how amazing this is.
We finally got the issue resolved (as you can tell by this post), but the problem shouldn't have happened in the first place. The tech agreed with me, which made me feel somewhat better. Then I asked for service and the tech asked why. I explained that I wanted some recompence for the missing days. I paid for the days, after all. The tech said, "Oh, I'm with customer service too. We can't do anything."
OK, I can understand glitches in a system. I can understand customer service not returning any of my calls because perhaps they were very busy. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for that. What I can't understand is stupid customer service. Is the company so small that the tech's are also the customer service people? Is the company so non-user friendly that they won't extend my end date by 2 days because of a glitch? Yeah, no. Big. Fat. No.
In the end, I got my connection running again and there's a note for someone to give me a call tomorrow about extending my service for 2 days. You can bet your left earlobe that if I don't hear from them that I'll be calling.
Don't screw with my internet connection, man. You won't like the outcome.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Om & cuteness
I know that the Om is a popular concept in the real world, but in the Ren Faire world, it's not just popular, it's infectious. Seriously, it's like a disease, but in a good way. By this, I mean that nearly everyone I've met has an Om on their person (jewelry/tattoo/accoutrement), in their trailer/house, or their vehicle. Before joining the ranks of Traveler, I didn't see Om's that often. I'd heard about the concept, but I didn't really know anyone that LIVED the concept of Om.
Om is pretty awesome. To take a quote from the Wikipedia page, Om has the literal meaning of "It is" or "Will be". It is the aorist future form of Agu "to become". With all the crazy in my life, Om has become really important to me. The funny thing is that I almost feel like a poser with the Om's I have around me. I have a few. I have one on a piece of jewelry, one on a pouch, and one on a wall hanging in my kitchen. I look at the symbol and almost instantly feel relaxed and a sense of calm. The reason I feel like a poser is because I don't necessarily "Live the Om" or embody the what the Om signifies like so many folks I know do. I'm getting there, though. Here's the Om in my kitchen.
And with that, I'm off to Bedfordshire. Tomorrow is going to be another fabulous day, even with the wet weather we're expecting. I'm looking forward to it. I've got the best job in the world. I get to play, make music, and meet new people. It doesn't matter what crap is going on in my life, as long as I can make music things will be good.
Nighty night.
Om is pretty awesome. To take a quote from the Wikipedia page, Om has the literal meaning of "It is" or "Will be". It is the aorist future form of Agu "to become". With all the crazy in my life, Om has become really important to me. The funny thing is that I almost feel like a poser with the Om's I have around me. I have a few. I have one on a piece of jewelry, one on a pouch, and one on a wall hanging in my kitchen. I look at the symbol and almost instantly feel relaxed and a sense of calm. The reason I feel like a poser is because I don't necessarily "Live the Om" or embody the what the Om signifies like so many folks I know do. I'm getting there, though. Here's the Om in my kitchen.
One of the folks I've been spending a bunch of time with is Auntie Raven (not her real name). She's a fantastic singer and storyteller at AZRF. She and DB have really bonded, which is awesome. Here's a picture of the two of them watching Findng Nemo. Well, zoning out, right before bedtime. This pic is from this weekend, Pirate Weekend, at AZRF. One of the fun things about Auntie Raven, is that even though she doesn't have an Om's, she really does embody the spirit of Om. She is one of the most positive and grounded people I've ever met.
And with that, I'm off to Bedfordshire. Tomorrow is going to be another fabulous day, even with the wet weather we're expecting. I'm looking forward to it. I've got the best job in the world. I get to play, make music, and meet new people. It doesn't matter what crap is going on in my life, as long as I can make music things will be good.
Nighty night.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The ins and outs of it
I'm sitting on the couch/at the table in our trailer, and I'm shocked at how time has flown by. As of today I'll have been living at the AZRF site for three weeks. Time is so fluid down here. The third weekend of faire will be here in two days. TWO days. It's mind blowing.
I've been sticking close to the trailer, spending time with a small group of friends, and just remembering to breathe. I'm not really into my groove yet, but I feel like I'm getting closer to it.
Cooking in the trailer has been an experience, and my favourite thing to make is Terry Foy Delight. It's a quickie crock pot dish that sounds like it wouldn't be good, but it really is delicious. I've also started drinking tea on a regular basis again. My new favourite is the Revolution Chai.
I thing the big thing is that I feel really disconnected. The twitter client I was using went away (UberTwitter) and I've only just found UberSocial. The 'net access on site is much better this year, but I'm just not spending as much time online as I was in NY.
DB has fallen in love with Finding Nemo. She wants to watch it every day, and she enjoys talking about Nemo and Dory. She's not as enthralled with the sea turtles, but she's young. I'm teaching her "Fin" and "Noggin".
This is one of those times where my brain is petering out. Time for me to head off, enjoy a cuppa, and read before I head to bed.
I've been sticking close to the trailer, spending time with a small group of friends, and just remembering to breathe. I'm not really into my groove yet, but I feel like I'm getting closer to it.
Cooking in the trailer has been an experience, and my favourite thing to make is Terry Foy Delight. It's a quickie crock pot dish that sounds like it wouldn't be good, but it really is delicious. I've also started drinking tea on a regular basis again. My new favourite is the Revolution Chai.
I thing the big thing is that I feel really disconnected. The twitter client I was using went away (UberTwitter) and I've only just found UberSocial. The 'net access on site is much better this year, but I'm just not spending as much time online as I was in NY.
DB has fallen in love with Finding Nemo. She wants to watch it every day, and she enjoys talking about Nemo and Dory. She's not as enthralled with the sea turtles, but she's young. I'm teaching her "Fin" and "Noggin".
This is one of those times where my brain is petering out. Time for me to head off, enjoy a cuppa, and read before I head to bed.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
An earth shattering kaboom!
Actually, it's the opposite of kaboom. It's an earth shattering SILENCE! I don't mean my life has been silent. I mean I've been been up to my eyeballs in life, but my online presence has been tucked away, packed in moth balls.
Why, I can hear you ask, have you been off-line? It's more fun to e'splain rather than to sum up.
First, there was the influx of snow which delayed the drive across the country for 5 days.
After that passed, there was the actual drive across the country which took 4 days.
Once our destination was reached there was the panic of "Where Are We Going To Live?!"
After a homestead was figured out there was the unpacking and settling in of said homestead.
In addition to that came the preparation for beginning of the Arizona Renaissance Festival.
On top of all of this, my normal quickie communication, UberTwitter, apparently got slapped down, so I have essentially been incommunicado.
Things are not quite so hectic, but they're not really settled either. Winnebago life is new to me, and while I'm enjoying it, it does take some getting used to. I'm taking the rest of this week to get organised, then my re-entry into the 'Netosphere can begin anew.
Until then, my dears, Be Excellent Unto Each Other!
Why, I can hear you ask, have you been off-line? It's more fun to e'splain rather than to sum up.
First, there was the influx of snow which delayed the drive across the country for 5 days.
After that passed, there was the actual drive across the country which took 4 days.
Once our destination was reached there was the panic of "Where Are We Going To Live?!"
After a homestead was figured out there was the unpacking and settling in of said homestead.
In addition to that came the preparation for beginning of the Arizona Renaissance Festival.
On top of all of this, my normal quickie communication, UberTwitter, apparently got slapped down, so I have essentially been incommunicado.
Things are not quite so hectic, but they're not really settled either. Winnebago life is new to me, and while I'm enjoying it, it does take some getting used to. I'm taking the rest of this week to get organised, then my re-entry into the 'Netosphere can begin anew.
Until then, my dears, Be Excellent Unto Each Other!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Writing. Blogging. Posting. WTF?
Friends of mine are incredible. They write/dance/perform/cook/INSERT SOMETHING HERE every day. Me, not so much.
Sure, I do the normal personal hygiene routine daily. I get dressed. I've even been keeping up with my FLYLADY challenges, and keeping my sink shiny almost every day. Those things are great, but my creative side is feeling left out.
There are bunches of memes making the rounds on facebook and LiveJournal with a "post-a-day" theme. Post a picture. Write something personal. Pick a colour. The subject matter isn't really important here, it's the fact that it's an everyday thing. I know my limits, and I'm not an everyday kind of woman. I can try for everyday, but when I don't keep up I start lambasting myself. That's never a good or pretty thing. Still, I see the merits of the everyday habit.
While I don't think I can handle everyday, and make it an everyday habit, I think I can make a 3x a week habit. Blogging 3x a week on whatever strikes my fancy. Playing music 3x a week to keep me in good form, learning new tunes and songs and making sure old repertoire is still at my fingertips. This, I think, is do-able.
Speaking of writing, there are so many words for what this online stuff is. It's writing. It's blogging. It's posting. Truthfully, I never know what to label it as. When I think of blogs, I think of The Bloggess .When I think of writing, I think of Neil Gaiman. When I think of posting, I think about what I put on my livejournal. They're all different, but the end result is the same: turning thoughts into words, getting them out of the brainpan and sharing them in some format. I still don't have a clue what I should call it, though. :grin:
Sure, I do the normal personal hygiene routine daily. I get dressed. I've even been keeping up with my FLYLADY challenges, and keeping my sink shiny almost every day. Those things are great, but my creative side is feeling left out.
There are bunches of memes making the rounds on facebook and LiveJournal with a "post-a-day" theme. Post a picture. Write something personal. Pick a colour. The subject matter isn't really important here, it's the fact that it's an everyday thing. I know my limits, and I'm not an everyday kind of woman. I can try for everyday, but when I don't keep up I start lambasting myself. That's never a good or pretty thing. Still, I see the merits of the everyday habit.
While I don't think I can handle everyday, and make it an everyday habit, I think I can make a 3x a week habit. Blogging 3x a week on whatever strikes my fancy. Playing music 3x a week to keep me in good form, learning new tunes and songs and making sure old repertoire is still at my fingertips. This, I think, is do-able.
Speaking of writing, there are so many words for what this online stuff is. It's writing. It's blogging. It's posting. Truthfully, I never know what to label it as. When I think of blogs, I think of The Bloggess .When I think of writing, I think of Neil Gaiman. When I think of posting, I think about what I put on my livejournal. They're all different, but the end result is the same: turning thoughts into words, getting them out of the brainpan and sharing them in some format. I still don't have a clue what I should call it, though. :grin:
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Odd Bits
I very nearly typed that as Odd Bins, but this is not a post about alcohol. (Boo hoo, I know) I really don't know what this post is about. There are random odd bits floating in my brain, and I thought I would write them down. Perhaps alcohol should be involved...
Speaking of alcohol, I made hot chocolate from scratch last night. Cocoa, sugar, cocoa chili, milk, salt & water. The magic ingredient, however, was butterscotch schnapps. I didn't have enough milk for the recipe so I added the schnapps. Let me say right now, DAMN! That was some tasty hot chocolate. In the future I can see adding baileys or peppermint schnapps. Those are fine flavours to meld with dark cocoa.
Did ya'll know I'll be performing at the Arizona Renaissance Festival? NO? Well then, let me say right now that I, NeidFyre, will be performing at the Arizona Renaissance Festival for the full run of the 2011 season. I'm so excited to be heading back to Apache Junction. I love my AZRF family, and can't wait to see them all. This also means that I'm going to be driving myself, DB and Lyric, our kitten, cross-country. (I'll be blogging more about that shortly.)
The other day was walking around with DB in her Ergo. I received dirty looks and was asked by 4 people if there was something wrong with my daughter. They wanted to know why she wasn't in a stroller or a shopping cart or walking around next to me. DB is nearly 22 months old and will be 2yrs at the end of March. WTF people. She was having a great time. What is with people in the US that babywearing is considered "wrong". I have friends who wore their babes until they were 3. It's also not just the US. Here's a bit on Carrie Moss from 10/21/10. The title of the article just blew me away, and not in a good way.
Perhaps my brain wasn't as full as I though, because I can't think of anymore to say. I'll just finish with this tidbit, and yes it's about DB. Last week she put her fingers on my eyelids and lifted them up. As my eyes rolled back she said, "Zombie Eyes!". This morning she did it again. :grin: She was considerate about it too. She asked me to take off my glasses, THEN she lifted my eyelids up. "ZOMBIE EYES!" Maybe that should be the title of my next CD....
Over & Out!
Speaking of alcohol, I made hot chocolate from scratch last night. Cocoa, sugar, cocoa chili, milk, salt & water. The magic ingredient, however, was butterscotch schnapps. I didn't have enough milk for the recipe so I added the schnapps. Let me say right now, DAMN! That was some tasty hot chocolate. In the future I can see adding baileys or peppermint schnapps. Those are fine flavours to meld with dark cocoa.
Did ya'll know I'll be performing at the Arizona Renaissance Festival? NO? Well then, let me say right now that I, NeidFyre, will be performing at the Arizona Renaissance Festival for the full run of the 2011 season. I'm so excited to be heading back to Apache Junction. I love my AZRF family, and can't wait to see them all. This also means that I'm going to be driving myself, DB and Lyric, our kitten, cross-country. (I'll be blogging more about that shortly.)
The other day was walking around with DB in her Ergo. I received dirty looks and was asked by 4 people if there was something wrong with my daughter. They wanted to know why she wasn't in a stroller or a shopping cart or walking around next to me. DB is nearly 22 months old and will be 2yrs at the end of March. WTF people. She was having a great time. What is with people in the US that babywearing is considered "wrong". I have friends who wore their babes until they were 3. It's also not just the US. Here's a bit on Carrie Moss from 10/21/10. The title of the article just blew me away, and not in a good way.
Perhaps my brain wasn't as full as I though, because I can't think of anymore to say. I'll just finish with this tidbit, and yes it's about DB. Last week she put her fingers on my eyelids and lifted them up. As my eyes rolled back she said, "Zombie Eyes!". This morning she did it again. :grin: She was considerate about it too. She asked me to take off my glasses, THEN she lifted my eyelids up. "ZOMBIE EYES!" Maybe that should be the title of my next CD....
Over & Out!
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