Why art is important

Seems in the last few months a debate has been swirling around me about the value of art. First, a conversation with a favorite musician about the value of his work; then that very same week, an article in a local paper about why poetry is important. And, this week, I found this clip of Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglová singing one of the songs that they became known for after the release of the independent film Once in 2007. Hansard and Irglová's song "Falling Slowly" received a 2008 Academy Award for Best Original Song and the soundtrack as a whole also received a Grammy nomination. They were the underdogs, but the award couldn't have been given to more deserving folks.

At some point along the way, I heard Hansard comment in an interview that he often "self-medicated with music" - which is something I can relate to. In the opening to this clip, Hansard says, "Ultimately we invest in art because we want to be taken somewhere...or we want to be brought on some kind of ride." I'm not sure I would have phrased it in exactly the same way, but I think he's right on...

Incidentally, I'm not a big fan of most popular music. But, these two, I like. They are about as real as they can be. And, I like that they offer up their music for the listening. On the website for their collaborative musical project, The Swell Season, you can play a whole set of songs, for free. Which is how music should be. Free. Payment to our favorite artists, I think, should be part of a reciprocal exchange: the artist takes you on a ride, and in return, you buy them dinner...or, well... a gift certificate for something they've been dreaming of doing. : )

Quite a day

The view from my sun room earlier this evening - hot air balloon over Belmont Park. About 30 minutes prior to the balloon's arrival, we had the most lovely summer rain, the kind that seems to be pouring from the bright blue sky, the kind that encourages people to run outside to enjoy the refreshing rain drops instead of running to search for cover.

A good day to look skyward and remember good friends. FFF.

"The countdown on two hands has begun."

Yes, indeed. It's coming up quickly.

Loving the new long trail loop. Almost too much - I've nearly forgotten I'm supposed to be 'training' for a road race. Eek!

Spinning and dizzy fun at work.

Trees on Fire and good conversation at the park.

An old place becomes new as a late night study spot & remembering days past, seems like it was in another life, there with RR.

In the vein of doing something everyday that scares you: JMS filming at my house tonight. A very cool thing and glad I agreed to it.

Relaxing weekend

Thai dinner with C & GC.

Homemade chocolate chip cookies, delivered. Delighted. : )

Farmer's Market white peaches. Delish!

New long trail loop with BR & E! Yippee.

Studying, pool, fresh dinner of falafel and spring rolls.

Currently reading: Breakfast with Buddha. (Thanks to S for the loaner book!)

Sam Scott will be famous one day

I just heard her busking on the Downtown Mall, she received quite a nice reception. She's 11 years old.

Thursday

Thrilled to be scattering Weehah! to the far reaches.

Plane tickets, check.

Sunset trail walk.

M & M in the park helps dry the eyes.

Blueberries & oatmeal for dinner, and keeping the curtains open a little more often.

Office Picnic

First time in 6 years I've brought anyone, family or not, to my office picnic. I was very happy to have her.

Last Lynchburg Class

Finishing the way I started - sick to my stomach and using the laptop and mini-projector. A fitting ending after 3+ years and 1,000+ participants.

Finally, an A on a test.

Errands & porch sitting with Ma.

Late night out with good friends.

My white middle class sensibilities are admittedly punch drunk on NPR's liberalism, but still, I keep finding gems that seem to speak truth for me.

Summer

I'm not sure how to come to terms with a public blog that I wish to keep private.

Lots of thankfuls.

Sorry I turned down the peach pancakes.

Good story from Thailand about snakes and ants and life.

Excited about August travels and new technology toys.