tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248699152024-03-06T22:27:39.125-08:00Mips: frivolous notes of the SkyylarkMissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-77440367386579075012010-02-15T16:26:00.000-08:002010-02-15T17:44:19.310-08:00Sink or SwimChange: it's about as certain as death and taxes. Sometimes it's bad, sometimes it's good, and sometimes it takes a long time to really decipher whether it's bad or good. Bad or good, it gets you out of your comfort zone and either you can swim with it or sink with it. Change has happened. And in result, I have a lot of extra time on my hands. Which, on a positive side, gives me a chance to update this blog:) But on the down side, if I do nothing special with this time, I start to sink. So here's what I propose: I need a project!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TnAmKTOWYs71cjGQYwvUNO8Ebu6gz3IBzzkikhnvmeJQLiUqA7b-jN-D0yK95XzmnRaGIVWlmz8XQ0xuPd-1N5gf1DkgAl5ABQmWb8pXEV8sUK3Xlhu8hlnWSC1A2IrA8QTbvA/s1600-h/swimming.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TnAmKTOWYs71cjGQYwvUNO8Ebu6gz3IBzzkikhnvmeJQLiUqA7b-jN-D0yK95XzmnRaGIVWlmz8XQ0xuPd-1N5gf1DkgAl5ABQmWb8pXEV8sUK3Xlhu8hlnWSC1A2IrA8QTbvA/s320/swimming.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438645578176712162" border="0" /></a><br />These are ideas that I've toyed with for a long time, but never really got off the ground since my energies were focused elsewhere. There's three of them, and I can't seem to decide which is most worth my time, or (let's be realistic here) which I'll actually be able to pull off. I'm going to list them off, along with their positives and negatives. Perhaps this will help me funnel my thoughts, strap my water wings on, and finally be able to get at least a good doggie paddle going.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Missy's Crazy Ideas (or Crazy Missy's Ideas)</span> </span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />1. Perform...Again</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Positives</span> - I've been dying to sing on stage again. Singing will always be a great love of mine and I'd give anything to enjoy it again.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Negatives</span> - I'm too picky about projects. I surf craigslist daily for the perfect opportunity to get back in the scene, but not too far in the scene. I want to perform but not too often, with a small group but not too small, in a group not too old but not too young, etc. This all leads me to believe that my pickyness may just be me trying to avoid it all together, since my last experience with performing was quite a messy one. And in result, I honestly don't think I could enjoy performing like I once did...<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />2. Write a Curriculum Book</span><br /></span></div></div><span style="font-style: italic;">Positives</span> - I have so many ideas for curriculum in my field, and I use them a lot for my work. And actually, there are very little curriculum materials to be found for this particular age group. There's a big ol' gap in Early Childhood Music Education and I feel it needs to be explored, so there:b<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Negatives</span> - How the hell do you get things published? Haha.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Make a Children's Album</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Positives</span> - Move over Raffi, Missy's a comin'! Yes, this has been done before. Sometimes very successfully, and sometimes... (well, let's just say there's a LOT of bad children's music out there. But that's a whole blog post on it's own.) Anyway, once again, I've found a another gap. There's children's music that teaches math, reading, spelling, even science. But there's very little children's music that teaches the basic musical concepts. You'd think there would be music that teaches about music, but there's not. I've already written a few songs that I do with my kids. And I know a lot of local musicians who could help me out with this.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Negatives</span> - How do you market stuff like that? Yes, I could get it made, but I have no head for business and wouldn't know what to do with it after it's done. Obviously my audience would be music teachers and preschool/kindergarten teachers. How would I get it into the classrooms?<br /><br />So those are my crazy ideas. I'd really like some feedback, if possible. Which do you think could swim the best? And even if nothing big comes out of one of these projects, I'll still be better off having accomplished something besides eating ice cream and watching the Olympics. Tootles!Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-34947098814294634952008-04-26T09:47:00.000-07:002008-04-26T12:20:39.942-07:00Ladies and Gentlemen: the Great Missini!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLunfCVy5rQFstXbo-C0JgkZ0ovQzD_oEEx4ozcZ8ZNRXb_9uAn_sKr7ekKAVONuX_KOPonJeODrGeaabWeusmGQ7YDujX_wEoFFvy9hnSkUHkgelTWWIFYb4Zq-mukGZMwufDeQ/s1600-h/balancing-act.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193597290714397298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLunfCVy5rQFstXbo-C0JgkZ0ovQzD_oEEx4ozcZ8ZNRXb_9uAn_sKr7ekKAVONuX_KOPonJeODrGeaabWeusmGQ7YDujX_wEoFFvy9hnSkUHkgelTWWIFYb4Zq-mukGZMwufDeQ/s320/balancing-act.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Balance. It's a hard thing to achieve. Balancing the family with the friends, with the love-life, with the band, with the financial obligations, with the career, with the home/self-maintenance, with the extra-curricular, with medical concerns, with religion and politics, with world events, with the me time... And many of these intersect, which makes things all the more confusing. And I must confess, I really don't have as many elements to prioritize as most people do. I have yet to achieve balance, and quite honestly, the people that appear to have it scare the shit out of me. But I don't believe I can begin to have balance until some sort of constancy occurs in my life.<br /><br />However, when you really think about it, isn't imbalance one of the crucial ingredients to keeping life interesting and fresh? I think the reason that seemingly balanced, perfect people frighten me so, is that I imagine how awfully boring their lives must be. No surprises and no true attachments to one or two focused areas, just routine, unchanging fairness and stability. Bleh. Does balance mean boredom?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGelxxnSIMdCJ60gPdZkb5EylhThHq5B1CDTw4_K6YmuBI45blewO41D5jEjkCzeHbsRjzwpHrgFR4PTb7Diuiud9eqceW-c_9cQz6jKMnOw2MnOu-hiqCodFKdjwP8pLtz_LXIw/s1600-h/bored_students.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193605768979839618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGelxxnSIMdCJ60gPdZkb5EylhThHq5B1CDTw4_K6YmuBI45blewO41D5jEjkCzeHbsRjzwpHrgFR4PTb7Diuiud9eqceW-c_9cQz6jKMnOw2MnOu-hiqCodFKdjwP8pLtz_LXIw/s320/bored_students.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So what am I getting at; if it isn't truly balance that I seek, than what is going to rescue me from this crooked merry-go-round of options I continually jump on? Trying seat after seat, seeing which one suits me best. Is there a right seat? Maybe I need to ditch the merry-go-round altogether.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmqOrMk0YmwI-pFV3i9cZklQX14NuqnCAVmADZcCbVIdNpT7n6_iALA44TD1Ul6wY7Ub8ugCrN0JD5cynPdmjUxUCaMojYZhmExmeMMthriJqtDFzIc18i7V1AnGXH4AhwudUhg/s1600-h/carousel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193606155526896274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmqOrMk0YmwI-pFV3i9cZklQX14NuqnCAVmADZcCbVIdNpT7n6_iALA44TD1Ul6wY7Ub8ugCrN0JD5cynPdmjUxUCaMojYZhmExmeMMthriJqtDFzIc18i7V1AnGXH4AhwudUhg/s320/carousel.jpg" border="0" /></a>Perhaps the key to achieving balance and avoiding boredom is surrounding yourself with people/things/endeavors that you love and that keep things sparky and interesting. 'Cause I do believe that there are people on this earth and endeavors to pursue that I will never grow tired of. I know it's a very Hallmark conclusion to the mad rantings of a woman who's seen too much snow in one winter, but it's true. I have yet to accomplish the task of fully immersing myself with these people/things, but I think I have a damn good start.Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-44361650171917142892008-04-10T19:17:00.000-07:002008-04-10T20:09:23.700-07:00"It's never too late to have a happy childhood."<br />Well, the weather is absolutely horrid, and I'm stuck at home sipping a glass of cheap wine. It seems only natural to try and spew up a couple of meaningful or amusing observations. So, for the first time ever, I have a career that I absolutely adore. I teach music to very little children, and this job not only makes me look forward to going to work everyday, it also has renewed my excitement in having my own child/children someday, (no time in the near future, I assure you). The kids at my work inspire and crack me up on a daily basis, and I continue to marvel at the funny social norms that occur when one hangs out with young children. What an odd and wonderful world it would be if adults never ditched these social norms as we grew older. My own childhood chronologically creeps further and further from me, though not spiritually. And being around individuals who have only had a few years of experience on this earth helps me remember how exciting seemingly mundane elements of life can be. So here's my list:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyja24ksM5XwdVneN_7XTYQTKuzhZg5mK0ZGr1qmAxf2DBY6QC3kWpTe7gsdfe6xSrf3AJEaWHZY1Bqb-8yD40y_QsuUMrud73LQpbjBolwLZPcB4d7LexRrdOX6TlrXyxfbCAQ/s1600-h/painting.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyja24ksM5XwdVneN_7XTYQTKuzhZg5mK0ZGr1qmAxf2DBY6QC3kWpTe7gsdfe6xSrf3AJEaWHZY1Bqb-8yD40y_QsuUMrud73LQpbjBolwLZPcB4d7LexRrdOX6TlrXyxfbCAQ/s320/painting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187819274005729042" border="0"></a><br /><font size="5">5 Things You Can Only Do When You're 3-years-old:<br /><br /><font size="3">1. Wear snow-boots all day long...inside doors...in the summertime, and still have lots of friends.<br /><br />2. </font></font><font size="5"><font size="3">Stand on your head with your butt in the air in public when you get bored or annoyed with a person or situation.</font></font><br /><font size="5"><font size="3"><br />3. Start running for no reason in particular.<br /><br />4. Say, "My Dad drives a truck" to a complete stranger.<br /><br />5. Yell, "I went poop!", and everybody cheers for you.<br /><br /><br />Word.<br /><br /><br /><br /></font></font>Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-87609756873448727442008-01-31T15:18:00.000-08:002008-01-31T16:22:49.800-08:00Year Done, Lessons LearnedDear readers, a lot happened in 2007 for your little blogger Missy. While I'll spare you all the details (good and bad) I came away from the past year with a few nuggets of wisdom. Well, I wouldn't use the word "wisdom", more like steps forward from where I stood a year ago. And so, I'm going to share this list with my lovely readers today, some you may have discovered already, some that may come as no surprise, and hopefully, something new to share.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">5 Things Missy's Learned in the Past Year</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. In the world of education, you are NEVER going to make everyone happy. </span>And the sooner any new teacher recognizes this, the better they're going to sleep at night. Whether it be fellow staff, administration, students, or parents, there's always going to be someone that disapproves of how you do things. Usually at least one from ev</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">ery of the 4 categories. You can have the best intentions around, and spend day-in and day-out t</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">rying to find new ways to make everything work, and you'll still have someone trea</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">t you like you're not trying in the least. Recognize this, don't take it personally, and just be comforted by the fac</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">t that you are doing your best, and that you're a positive force in your students' lives.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBi8PIo0Ai07R_ROBq1keBvnnLnBgDxmQkoZEKQo2Ipk0tbhEMezV_kiZ2Jb8qBs6Du57BKVrhpMP4f0e0Quf1W7MCbKNDuXuzvw2gqgkMZVjLtkCTXbso4JcixbUclwvJ0PLXSQ/s1600-h/i_love_my_teacher_coloring.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBi8PIo0Ai07R_ROBq1keBvnnLnBgDxmQkoZEKQo2Ipk0tbhEMezV_kiZ2Jb8qBs6Du57BKVrhpMP4f0e0Quf1W7MCbKNDuXuzvw2gqgkMZVjLtkCTXbso4JcixbUclwvJ0PLXSQ/s200/i_love_my_teacher_coloring.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161799834857635682" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Anxiety/Stress and it's effects on the body CAN be funneled and even controlled. Well, ok, MY anxiety can be funneled and controlled.</span> Over the years, I've grown a bit more anxious compared to the carefree days of my youth. I also come from a long line of very lovely, but very anxious females. A few car accidents, a couple broken hearts, and some injuries later (physical and emotional), naturally one grows a bit more cautious, compulsive, and stressed. And the effects of this anxiety effected me in ways that changed the way I looked at my daily life. I've since learned to face this anxiety and to talk myself out of it. The way I look at it, reacting immediately over uncomfortable situations hinders ones quality of life, </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">and restricts one from exploring things that may otherwise turn out to be positive experiences. I'm still working on it:)<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIziSDPU1hJ0_ZZHrt2r3hSV52Rg1zbAACTyAW7AItPEBRPBh4zjoB3ciAGt5sazzKxpn47xCz88g40LXVSjDFBaGM2jpLJqewfSB-jhlnu5wgElgpYk9NntZcxejKv7yKe64tw/s1600-h/test+anxiety.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIziSDPU1hJ0_ZZHrt2r3hSV52Rg1zbAACTyAW7AItPEBRPBh4zjoB3ciAGt5sazzKxpn47xCz88g40LXVSjDFBaGM2jpLJqewfSB-jhlnu5wgElgpYk9NntZcxejKv7yKe64tw/s320/test+anxiety.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161800298714103682" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all. </span>Ok, I stole that from Disney's Mulan. (I really like that movie, I'm not ashamed.) But I'm constantly drawn to people who fit this description, and they end up being the most intriguing and rewarding people to know.</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHuLltuzCOTXENkG-wi8GKySlRd_jvXRUCPbQsZSafSrEoJQMTHAh7zi6Le1iKbbGQS_x0eHFYa_Q8tSvIgzb9cdDMszSiC3P8d9rY7PLbejZmq2r9owO_DdteuR2JDpSIsn-Zw/s1600-h/periwinkle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHuLltuzCOTXENkG-wi8GKySlRd_jvXRUCPbQsZSafSrEoJQMTHAh7zi6Le1iKbbGQS_x0eHFYa_Q8tSvIgzb9cdDMszSiC3P8d9rY7PLbejZmq2r9owO_DdteuR2JDpSIsn-Zw/s320/periwinkle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161799431130709826" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Anyone who drives a new Mini Cooper is a CRAZY driver. </span>Well, that's a pretty harsh generalization. But it seems like EVERY person I've seen drive one of these is all over the road. Some may say I'm a crazy driver. I won't deny this. Let's just say I've really learned my lesson;)<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStBzZ0hzwmiHSk4f4uhJZdK6GxtzkTlr57ZO_LuWoOX5lgmfgjBg9TFlrs7gq3O2JOtfkU0iL2CMJ5rPEV68jD8eDLzEnslYgV-ePlM-xv9nYDBPW_dRAkGGnArID3YX1CUengA/s1600-h/minicooper.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 159px; height: 106px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStBzZ0hzwmiHSk4f4uhJZdK6GxtzkTlr57ZO_LuWoOX5lgmfgjBg9TFlrs7gq3O2JOtfkU0iL2CMJ5rPEV68jD8eDLzEnslYgV-ePlM-xv9nYDBPW_dRAkGGnArID3YX1CUengA/s320/minicooper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161797227812486962" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. The music business is as dirty as the art of music is pure. </span>Does this make sense? Anyway, this is something I'm learning and coming to terms with more and more. It's too bad.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikw5r23MDV658Z9bfj_n1dACWG7ObwJBL_o2LK2OYtkWi4tuIMZO8UmxdqaLYGiPIGmdFfpBriKddFHVFM2zd0YWIIpmhbPpywwRiA1WIWllgSoqt68B1aqf7ahUqSPJ89OsCSQ/s1600-h/escopetarras.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikw5r23MDV658Z9bfj_n1dACWG7ObwJBL_o2LK2OYtkWi4tuIMZO8UmxdqaLYGiPIGmdFfpBriKddFHVFM2zd0YWIIpmhbPpywwRiA1WIWllgSoqt68B1aqf7ahUqSPJ89OsCSQ/s320/escopetarras.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161800015246262130" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Well, I hope the average reader as come away with something from this, even if it's just a little head shake and a chuckle. Any lessons you guys have learned???<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span>Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-44901854323559624792007-11-14T20:23:00.000-08:002007-11-14T20:55:05.354-08:00...the greatest good that mortals know, and all of heaven we have below.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88DOjVKvTmqQM5p-h9sXfa7OWAbThKWfWOZlLagqDyL11i9kLEHc-0lVXlBy_xeWlauGlB1F2iZw54kalF2ZSdOF3FCrbNPgAfybUV6kFBMGgTQET_MQLM3U55v7-wj9PxZZtLg/s1600-h/guitarmusic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88DOjVKvTmqQM5p-h9sXfa7OWAbThKWfWOZlLagqDyL11i9kLEHc-0lVXlBy_xeWlauGlB1F2iZw54kalF2ZSdOF3FCrbNPgAfybUV6kFBMGgTQET_MQLM3U55v7-wj9PxZZtLg/s320/guitarmusic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132919955384321138" border="0" /></a><br /><br />To all those who poo-poo music education:<br /><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071114/lf_nm_life/music_dc"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">"Music Lessons Pay Off in Higher Pay."</span></a><br />Funny, students of music education end up earning major cash, while the music teachers themselves make diddley squat and get their program funding cut. Go fig.Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-89862997893382114882007-10-30T20:34:00.000-07:002007-10-31T08:16:05.245-07:00They're All Gonna Laugh at You!<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Well, Halloween is tomorrow, and surprisingly, it continues to be one of my favorite holidays. Most of the</span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">horror movies made these days don't really scare me all that much; I find myself giggling at most of them. Plus, the majority of them are just bad remakes of previously made or Japanese films. It's the creepy films of the 60's and 70's that get me. Maybe it's because these older movies are more subtle in their scariness. They didn't have the technology to create huge monsters and realistic special effects, so they had to be more creative in their effectiveness. So in the spirit of Scary Day, I've constructed the following list:</span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">Missy's Top 5 Favorite Scary Movies!<br /></span><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >1. Carrie</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">In all honesty, it's not Carrie who frightens me most in this movie. Mainly, it's the crazy mother and the brutality of her peers. Probably because these concepts (an extremely religious parent, getting picked on at school, etc) happen all the time in real life, opposed to a person moving things with their mind. But the part that gets me every time is the dream sequence at the very end. I won't give the ending away, but I think it's the music in this scene that creeps me out to no end!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. The Shining<br /></span>This isn't just some dumb, gory, gross-out horror flick. This is a well-constructed, tension-building story with complex characters, an amazing isoundtrack, and creative camera shots. My favorite scenes are when the kid is riding through the empty halls on his big-wheel, and when Jack is hallucinating in the ballroom. Oh, and when Wendy finally reads the novel Jack's been writing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Wait Until Dark<br /></span>"Wait Until Dark" is wonderfully suspenseful and genuinely scary without showing a drop of blood. Audrey Hepburn plays a blind woman who is home alone as three thugs attempt to trick and threaten her into letting them into her apartment to obtain a doll stuffed with heroin. The tension builds to a huge plateau as Audrey Hepburn knocks out all the lights in her apartment to get the upper-hand on the men who are trying to kill her and take the doll. Alan Arkin scares the shit of of me in this one.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Halloween<br /></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Did anyone know that the mask worn by the character 'Micheal' was a deformed and worn William Shatner mask? I love that little bit of useless knowledge. The scariest parts for me are when Micheal is stalking the girls throughout the beginning of the movie. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. The Sixth Sense<br /></span>I admit it: I didn't predict the ending. M. Night Shyamalan got me: hook, line and sinker. This movie is not only makes you jump out of your seat, but you really learn to feel for the characters throughout the movie, good and bad. <br /><br />Please feel free to share your own top choices, everyone has different things that scare and intrigue them. Happy Halloween!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span>Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-66079344523776919972007-10-05T11:45:00.000-07:002007-10-05T11:46:23.725-07:00Back in the game with a bang!<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bxM_XZJfAg8"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bxM_XZJfAg8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br />I'm back!Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-57273516054525789042007-07-07T08:03:00.001-07:002007-07-07T08:10:51.346-07:00Hooray!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNwBjjcfQKU8rnvkfEL-6Pc4vwJkpHvmZoqo6NwQIjltYgw09GgXnylUA1pCS6ZWPN3e-q8Wr3SLecT_x_KdTmlFcEk8bGalAij3Va67PBzuUOb-Nuk4s8bmv4jaa7WDeI9k9vg/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNwBjjcfQKU8rnvkfEL-6Pc4vwJkpHvmZoqo6NwQIjltYgw09GgXnylUA1pCS6ZWPN3e-q8Wr3SLecT_x_KdTmlFcEk8bGalAij3Va67PBzuUOb-Nuk4s8bmv4jaa7WDeI9k9vg/s320/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084472652921267074" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Happy 9th Anniversary C and B!!!!!!</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span>Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-16407503949836807412007-06-06T22:03:00.000-07:002007-06-06T22:40:16.168-07:00T-rex a slow-poke? Who knew?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkU45f2gfdI89zh0ZLel3hAWulArlKR3hrD1yVvh0DvTPPg2jThY51NPmVI8WLF0VO3BTBodF5ZVNC4PSa1pC2nzVfpQy4HfBNgW8Q6Ynb9Cg7wF5nyYSLHlJilKLBJ_fVPn4xA/s1600-h/trex.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkU45f2gfdI89zh0ZLel3hAWulArlKR3hrD1yVvh0DvTPPg2jThY51NPmVI8WLF0VO3BTBodF5ZVNC4PSa1pC2nzVfpQy4HfBNgW8Q6Ynb9Cg7wF5nyYSLHlJilKLBJ_fVPn4xA/s320/trex.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073184718282224770" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This article heading just made me chuckle for some reason:<br /><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20070606/sc_livescience/terribletrexwasaslowpoke">T-rex article</a><br /> I guess it just kinda strikes me funny to picture the Tyrannosaurus as being the last one picked in gym class.<br /></div>Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-90277322474000854272007-05-21T19:16:00.000-07:002007-05-21T19:37:24.171-07:00Family Ties: sha-la-la-la!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3imUIGU_A00cNRrWjzefVMR_K48M9h6ZBUMP1GHghpnsa47oL-jpOrZKHSQgNM-tYUFmuk5s7wHFY1vNSc8_gJmS4sc2r5GlMBrJLBAHHova2V9bYaRtuDbdxWs8_PXNl67pvvQ/s1600-h/family+ties.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3imUIGU_A00cNRrWjzefVMR_K48M9h6ZBUMP1GHghpnsa47oL-jpOrZKHSQgNM-tYUFmuk5s7wHFY1vNSc8_gJmS4sc2r5GlMBrJLBAHHova2V9bYaRtuDbdxWs8_PXNl67pvvQ/s320/family+ties.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067208303012223794" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Hey all, I've been receiving the answers from the lucky bloggers I interviewed, and I just had to share the answer to the best question I came up with in this little game. I had the great pleasure of interviewing my mom, heh. To this day, I find the social dynamic of my family pretty intriguing. And I think outsiders looking in on our family do as well. In particular, the similarities and differences of me and my siblings. Thus, the 5th and final question I asked my mom. Here was the result:<br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Question 5. Which of your own characteristics do you see in each of your three children? Hmm, that is a little harder question for me to answer. I guess to make myself look good, I will go with the good traits! </span></span></em></strong> <strong style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><em></em></strong> <strong style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><em><br /><br />I think a good characteristic that S and I both have is the ability to converse easily and energetically with almost anyone. We are usually not at a loss for words, and I have noticed, for some reason, strangers stop and talk to us. We have an easy welcoming attitude, and we usually like to talk to most people. Missy once told me that I shouldn't talk to strangers. I had told her that many times, but failed to follow my own rules. I usually couldn't help myself!</em></strong> <strong style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><em></em></strong> <strong style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><em><br /><br />I think that C and I share patience as a characteristic. We probably are not the most patient people when we are doing physical labor, but I think we have the ability to analyze a situation, and wait to see what the outcome may be before we jump to conclusions. I know C does this, and, every ONCE in a while, I do that too. Sometimes to "wait and see" is a very smart move. It also saves a lot of energy. We are not only patient, but smart, too!</em></strong> <strong style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><em></em></strong> <strong style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><em>I think<br /><br />Missy and I are both stubborn. Now that is not a bad thing. It simply means that we are not easily talked into things we do not want to do, and we are looking at the end result before most other people do. In most situations, I can go from step one to four and never need to think about step two or three because I KNOW I am right, and there is no need. Missy and I sometimes butt heads because two people who know they are right are bound to. We somehow manage to come up with similar results to a problem, although we take our own stubborn route. It all works out! Another trait we have in common is our love for children. We have a genuine respect for children, and for their gifts they have been given, and I think we both appreciate the trivial and flighty nature of the young. I wonder why. Is it because we never grew up? A question to ponder.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">So, there it is. I think she's always been honest without filter where I'm concerned, haha. But I love her for it, and I think it's 'cause she knows I take things with a grain of salt. I'm not sure if she wants me to leave a link to her blog so that my happy viewers may feast their eyes on the other 4 questions, so I'm gonna leave that up to her. I also love the paragraph she wrote about my dad, so you all should hassle her for the blog address and check it out.<br />That's all!<br /><br /><br /></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);"></span></em></strong>Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-14480036491950689062007-05-08T18:47:00.000-07:002007-05-08T20:17:05.554-07:00Another opportunity for me to talk about myself...Fellow blogger cK was a part of a little game where bloggers interviewed one another, and I wanted in! I've been on a creativity drought lately and I figure this'll get the wheels in motion once again. Plus, I knew cK was an excellent interviewer. About a year ago I sat next to him at a Twins game, and straight out of left-field he threw question after question at me like I was in a Barbara Walters Special. And after each question was answered, he just stared out into the field, with a thoughtful look on his face, responding, "ahhh, yes, I see." I often wondered what he thought of my answers, and whether he was internally uncovering the kind of person I was by the seemingly insignificant questions. Hehe, am I correct in thinking this, ck? So here's the five questions he sent me:<br /><br />Q: What other city (outside of <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer; height: 1em;" id="lw_1178675181_2">Minnesota</span>, please) would you like to live in for at least six months?<br />A: Surely in a European city, and one where I could take up a new language. I've always LOVED singing in Italian, and if I had to choose a new language to learn, that would be it. I can't get enough of the fluidity and rhythm of the language. One could be saying, "screw off", and it could still sound like, "I love you". I'd also want to live in a spot rich with culture and history, but would have cute, cozy little nooks and crannies as well. Rome? Venice? I dunno, I'd probably have to research various Italian cities to decide for sure, but it would definitely be in Italy.<br /><br />Q: What's your favorite type of shoe?<br />A: I've just looked over my shoe collection, (which is much more extensive than I'd like to admit), and I've decided that my answer must be divided into two categories: winter and summer.<br />Winter: I love light, stripey, nerdy tennis shoes. Preferably in a bright color. I have 3 pairs of sneakers that fit that description: orange, pink, and powder blue. I just can't be sad while gazing down at these types of shoes.<br />Summer: I'm a flip-flop freak all-the-way. All kinds, I don't discriminate. <br /><br />Q: When did you last draw with crayons?<br />A: Today actually, heh! I was helping one of my 4-year-olds learn to print his last name:) But honestly, I love working with crayons outside of work. It's really relaxing to draw with crayons. I took a few art courses in college, and I was the only student who carried a pack of crayons with all my pencils, charcoal, paint, etc. I'm not sure what my professor thought of this, but I got an A on all my projects, so he must not have looked down on it too much.<br /><br />Q: If you could inhabit a cartoon world (with the option to return at any point), which cartoon world would it be?<br />A: I really liked that "Dungeons and Dragons" cartoon growing up. I just loved the idea of getting on a carnival ride, and ending up in another world! Plus, it ties into my undying fantasy of being a superhero/warrior of some type. My weapon of choice would either be wizard-like powers, or a huge samurai sword. I also wouldn't mind hanging out with the Muppet Babies for a few days.<br /><br />Q: If you won a contest that gave you the right to remove one television personality from the air, who would you select?<br />A: I believe I've expressed my intense distaste for Jennifer Love Hewitt on this blog before. And my piercing hatred for her remains undimmed. <br /><br />SO here's where it becomes EXTRA fun! If you would like me to interview you on your blog, simply leave a comment containing the words, "Interview Me!", and I will send you a set of five questions to answer on your own blog. Have a lovely week everyone!Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-37558481361202484642007-05-06T20:07:00.000-07:002007-05-06T20:12:50.696-07:00Where's Ned?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkkRJlI1gTVYtAdOQyQvK0SZqZFbdBr2Zj0-ddKjHzJOsXXJ8xVNtctt18-9VT2d68HZe9b9XLRlwSvjvZlPGaACq39QbuVeznK73gwIDPEt2m3fdDJ_OR1BXRIdPzvcvdDxcLw/s1600-h/chris+race.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkkRJlI1gTVYtAdOQyQvK0SZqZFbdBr2Zj0-ddKjHzJOsXXJ8xVNtctt18-9VT2d68HZe9b9XLRlwSvjvZlPGaACq39QbuVeznK73gwIDPEt2m3fdDJ_OR1BXRIdPzvcvdDxcLw/s400/chris+race.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5061650175456284722" border="0" /></a>Blog regular and family member 'Ned' placed 9th in the "Hopes and Dreams 5k" in Memphis, Tennessee! He's shown here rockin' a red bandanna. We're so proud of our Neo-luddite! <br /><br />Ned: If you are displeased with my posting your photo, feel free to post incriminating photos of me on your site:bMissyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-29089032560964029732007-04-30T18:35:00.000-07:002007-04-30T18:46:16.379-07:00Ahhhh, bugger!Hmmmm, in my attempt to make the template pretty, I seem to have lost all my comments:( Crap. Sorry to all of you who were so good to grace my blog with your fun and insightful comments. And I only hope they will magically reappear somehow. As an offering to solidify my apology, I give you this photo:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8H55nwunLuDT6gvLi74_zApLF-xyFinx9ELXlT6c9BkW37TUs5DL05y3LnXEAHCa8XRe-aU2k3SPo2Wuaacz_Qzrg40qL1-M_C48NLkjUSOY_2YgPUs_s6YqRRRzNmgq8axdAaw/s1600-h/llamas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8H55nwunLuDT6gvLi74_zApLF-xyFinx9ELXlT6c9BkW37TUs5DL05y3LnXEAHCa8XRe-aU2k3SPo2Wuaacz_Qzrg40qL1-M_C48NLkjUSOY_2YgPUs_s6YqRRRzNmgq8axdAaw/s400/llamas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059402138033950754" border="0" /></a>I especially like the smiling one on the right side in the background. Anyone have a good caption for that llama in the back?Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-70280419014040392162007-04-25T20:27:00.000-07:002007-04-25T20:33:07.377-07:00Baby I'm a Star!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgltpAMz8dcqCy-xjvDFrGgYGRaLs-Al8nEXzx1t4xX63PrPyd-f0PA3T8Ztysu7X39TfQP2Lg2zGeWGIvJXC0Fhp2FmA86Vhsz2H-2t7u2Lp9GVEJhXDdOBROA6bHhsBgJSR4w/s1600-h/ApolloniaPrince.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgltpAMz8dcqCy-xjvDFrGgYGRaLs-Al8nEXzx1t4xX63PrPyd-f0PA3T8Ztysu7X39TfQP2Lg2zGeWGIvJXC0Fhp2FmA86Vhsz2H-2t7u2Lp9GVEJhXDdOBROA6bHhsBgJSR4w/s320/ApolloniaPrince.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5057573929369833474" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So as some of you may already know, I've decided to name my accordion Apollonia. It just seemed befitting since the first song I learned on it was "Raspberry Beret". Thanks for all the suggestions, I couldn't have done it without you all!<br /></div>Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-46707336085028878832007-03-24T22:14:00.000-07:002007-03-24T22:20:26.036-07:00Name my baby!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSC61V1FvV9iFL5VuzFxgbUt8qOVEnJ6DqHmlHNpwT1SPjZJeRaGWI-2z6eesPtEjjKNQRFABcW9OX8ASDxNeOBc79g15lMUjxN2ky8fd0qEu1TAHF7wrC3q299fzajIbXKUQcQ/s1600-h/accordion.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSC61V1FvV9iFL5VuzFxgbUt8qOVEnJ6DqHmlHNpwT1SPjZJeRaGWI-2z6eesPtEjjKNQRFABcW9OX8ASDxNeOBc79g15lMUjxN2ky8fd0qEu1TAHF7wrC3q299fzajIbXKUQcQ/s320/accordion.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045726712694641138" border="0" /></a><br />Many of you have heard/seen/met my new accordion. And I'm trying to think of a good name for her. It's loud, purple, and beautiful! Any ideas?????Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-86535608504805075442007-03-13T20:33:00.000-07:002007-03-13T22:53:38.277-07:00If you leave, don't leave now...There's no good set up for this coming list, I've just always wanted to do it. But after I constructed this list I discovered that I'm very 'anti-ultra-happy-ending'. I just despise movie endings that either seem too good to be true, or seem a bit shallow and lacking originality or heart. Anyway, here it is:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Skyylark's Top 5 Most Unsatisfying Movie Endings<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNv9NZGwCy7rVCDBWXEF9_4hPPDqD0yaW7V94lcRTi4juCSaMiUkdZAzeBRrh7eLJj8TyCUvqCgoDtNTVPhKl84RpUDE0z8Ingmk2LyLCRQue1quzoupyHJHOrNVFvyEsSDm52A/s1600-h/Pretty_in_Pink--Basic_in_black.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNv9NZGwCy7rVCDBWXEF9_4hPPDqD0yaW7V94lcRTi4juCSaMiUkdZAzeBRrh7eLJj8TyCUvqCgoDtNTVPhKl84RpUDE0z8Ingmk2LyLCRQue1quzoupyHJHOrNVFvyEsSDm52A/s320/Pretty_in_Pink--Basic_in_black.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041626646830990050" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >1. Pretty in Pink - </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Screw Blaine, yey for Duckie. It just seemed so silly that the spoiled, two-dimensional character Blaine should end up with Andie. Not to mention that awkward-ass kiss that Andie and Blaine have at the very end. And even worse, they tried to make up for it by giving Duckie some random blond bimbo at the prom. Is there no justice?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />2. Vanilla Sky - </span>Wtf? That's all I have to say... Wtf?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Breakfast at Tiffany's - </span>Yes, I rave about this movie constantly, but I think the book ending was much better and much more realistic. But then again, in the movie version Mickey Rooney plays an Asian man. How's that for realistic. Just once I wanna see Holly Golightly take off for Brazil at the end.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Dead Poet's Society - </span>Well, this is mainly because I've had a big crush on actor Robert Sean Leonard since I was about 12, and I usually stop watching the movie just before his character kills himself. It's just too painful for me to watch such an adorable man waste away:)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Closer - </span>It tries to come off clever, but ends up being anticlimactic and...just..blah.<br /><br />Any other ones??<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-41237770197789516802007-02-28T20:03:00.000-08:002007-03-01T19:24:37.708-08:00I'm Chucky. Wanna Play?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiM7zsZLPNQ4GkWOcDCZ_7g2-zIV5EaPlz9eIjoES0347gRLIDgsEB1MfzcTvPPDEVBmVYwkSGLugyoNwdDgqFZzA5vna55Ducz_VEx0ll1excz4ioOUK9PXTsuiFYjg-x5BqgA/s1600-h/psycho+kid.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiM7zsZLPNQ4GkWOcDCZ_7g2-zIV5EaPlz9eIjoES0347gRLIDgsEB1MfzcTvPPDEVBmVYwkSGLugyoNwdDgqFZzA5vna55Ducz_VEx0ll1excz4ioOUK9PXTsuiFYjg-x5BqgA/s320/psycho+kid.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036801994073141346" border="0" /></a><br />Wow, check out this ad I found. Child pageants have always made me a little uneasy, but now I'm terrified. I feel like the "new and improved" image on the right should have a miniature knife in her little hand. <span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span>Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-75266203294369097902007-02-14T20:46:00.000-08:002007-02-14T22:00:33.560-08:00...how can I keep from singing?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcN_Qs02VTfjxWgYHkxP-y-oSChn5-X9GfMxrdrc05K0fV68vOQJrC9P3umbuLQzLy6mGpHzFG0KafxA4nmuFPqQVMsHJIeTCXWfoT5HqLd4ozf5-pU0TdvlQDYw6juIbTPSTwQ/s1600-h/birdie.htm"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcN_Qs02VTfjxWgYHkxP-y-oSChn5-X9GfMxrdrc05K0fV68vOQJrC9P3umbuLQzLy6mGpHzFG0KafxA4nmuFPqQVMsHJIeTCXWfoT5HqLd4ozf5-pU0TdvlQDYw6juIbTPSTwQ/s320/birdie.htm" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031621820664800850" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >I'm actually surprised that I haven't thought of doing this list before. Much like a fisherman must construct his top 5 lures, or a frat boy list his top 5 beers of choice, I'm not sure why it never occurred to me to post a "Top 5 Favorite Voices" list. While my voice resembles that of Shirley Jones', I usually lean toward voices that are nothing like mine: raspy, damaged, and having NO business singing in a Rogers and Hammerstein musical. I have no technical format for choosing this top 5, other than the fact that if ever you hear anyone cover these singers' songs, it never sounds right because it was performed right the first time and should never be replicated or attempted again.<br /><br />So, yo-ho-ho, and-a-here-we-go:<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mips' Top 5 Favorite Voice of All Time</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Van Morrison</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >This man's voice chops through my soul like a rusty hatchet. That sounds bad, but it's very very good. His phrasing is so natural and wild, yet attacks each phrase with so much intent. You can't understand a word he's singing, but you know exactly what he is singing about.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Recommended Track: Linden Arden Stole the Highlights</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span><br /></span></span></span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Stevie Wonder</span><br /></span>Most listeners don't realize how great Stevie's voice is because the first thing you notice is his astounding song-writing. I didn't truly appreciate his voice until I tried singing along with him. Once I realized that my rendition sounded nothing like his, I then asked myself, "How does he do that?" His vocal gymnastics are impressive, but never showy. His upper-range is amazing, he can belt high notes better than most women. His sound is all his, and is constantly copied in music today.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Recommended Track: Ebony Eyes</span><br /><br /></span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Jolie Holland</span><br /></span>I've heard so many other describe her voice has "ugly" or "over-done", but I think it's raw and beautiful. Her scoopy phrasing compliments her thick southern accent, and her tone is vulnerable and honest. She means every word she sings, and in result, isn't afraid to sound 'ugly' at times.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Recommended Track: Stubborn Beast</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Edith Piaf</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span>She's got one of those voices that screams, "I'm gonna sing this, and everyone, EVERYONE is going to stop what they're doing and listen". <span style="font-style: italic;"><span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span>Boy, can she belt! It's the only nasal voice I've ever grown to love, and I just adore that rapid vibrato that sounds like she's sitting on top of an old washer.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Recommended Track: Hymne a L'amour</span><br /><br /></span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Otis Redding</span><br /></span>His voice is the epitome of disappointed love, and not being able to sleep because if it. His tone is smoky, worn, and suggests a history; it's like sitting in a tattered, antique chair. He doesn't sing; he growls, howls, yelps and cries. When he performs, it's not a song, it's an event.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Recommended Track: I've Been Loving You Too Long</span><br /><br />There:)<br /></span><br /></span><br /></span>Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-1210582711276907112007-02-12T21:35:00.000-08:002007-02-13T20:00:19.630-08:00Zoom zoom zoom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObpbjslz0eu_4RqZ07AGlGjhB95MpCAZn9imHWwxRM3H306ALFN-nP5zFL_eqa62aNjgKNwI_jWJtMA1MHpCObTUJ19XpeGMgadEeS8wNb2cnfzoGHI4lXc36eFNQYi9CZ2ZBwA/s1600-h/sky+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObpbjslz0eu_4RqZ07AGlGjhB95MpCAZn9imHWwxRM3H306ALFN-nP5zFL_eqa62aNjgKNwI_jWJtMA1MHpCObTUJ19XpeGMgadEeS8wNb2cnfzoGHI4lXc36eFNQYi9CZ2ZBwA/s400/sky+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5030888940330313266" border="0" /></a><br />I feel like I'm coasting down a woodsy back-road at nightfall. I'm relatively content, the sky is coated with large, rippling clouds that crack open just a bit to let in the remaining ribbons of light. Plus, there's a good song on the car radio. The heater is working well, I even have to take off my mittens. I slowly spin past the occasional car or house, even made a few quick stops, but nothing worth sticking around. The road rolls on and on with a calming, hypnotic hum.<br /><br />As I'm being swallowed down this curvy, rumbling road where the black trees lean into me like an unfriendly archway, a few questions occur to me. First of all, where am I going, and when am I going to get there? And when I get there, will I be bored or unhappy and want to get back on the road? And most importantly, is there a "THERE" at all? In the meantime, I simply continue to drive, contemplating my next stop....<br /><br />I guess I'm not sure where I'm going with this, I don't expect answers. and I'm sure everyone feels this way in one way or another; climbing a staircase with no plateau. That's life, I guess.Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-1168790853554106592007-01-14T07:43:00.000-08:002007-01-14T09:47:53.053-08:00Chocolate-Covered DisappointmentI just had a bizarre dream last night that, to me, represents everything <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/512/2587/1600/791768/ccbeans.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/512/2587/320/213741/ccbeans.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>going on in my life right now.<br /><br />I dreamt that I, for some God-awful reason, was at a Republican Convention with my family. Which is odd, since the majority of my family hates Bush and the festering turds he calls policies.<br /><br />At this convention, I was gnawing on a handful of chocolate-covered coffee beans, apparently they were serving coffee and coffee-flavored snacks at this convention, heh. Anyway, Bush was shaking hands with the public and he got within about 7 feet of me. I recall looking down at my chocolate-covered coffee beans and I desperately wanted to throw my bitter, little pile of beans at him as he came by. But, unfortunately I was too scared to, for fear of getting swept away by security.<br /><br />When I awoke, I became very disappointed in myself: for even in my wildest dreams, I still didn't have the guts to do what I wanted to do. Most people would KILL for the opportunity to hurl an inanimate object at the President (or animate, come to think of it). I had my chance, and I chickened out.<br /><br />So that was my dream, and the epiphany that occurred when I awoke.<br />I need to take more chances...Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-1166244914563118952006-12-15T20:10:00.000-08:002006-12-15T20:55:14.576-08:00Congratulations, it's a brand-new, bouncing baby...accordian!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/512/2587/1600/937590/2005_1225Image0004.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/512/2587/320/962553/2005_1225Image0004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />It's confirmed, I'm officially a major dork. So here it is, my latest purchase: a brand-spankin' new purple accordian! Just had to show it off! <br /><br />Christmas is going to be extra fun this year, hahahaha!Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-1165899769903718262006-12-11T20:33:00.000-08:002006-12-11T21:02:49.923-08:00Ooo, Heaven is a place on earth...I'd like to believe there's an after-life of some sort. And I think if music was not an element in this after-life, I'd want no part of it! Actually music, good and bad, can be a bit of hell or hell on earth, at times. Which brings me to my new lists:<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">5 Songs I Imagine Are Played On "Repeat" in Hell</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong>1. Sleighride - Various Artists</strong><br />Giddiup, giddiup, g-g-g-get me the hell out of here!<br /><br /><strong>2. Dancin' in the Street - Mick Jagger and David Bowie</strong><br />I've never liked this song, and just the fact that two great vocalists have joined forces to double the agony just makes it worse.<br /><br /><strong>3. Toxic - Brittney Spears</strong><br />The high-pitched screech of the string sample in this song would compliment the searing of flesh in the pits of eternal hell-fire.<br /><br /><strong>4. We Built This City - Jefferson Starship</strong><br />Mwahahahahahahahahaaaaaaa!<br /><br /><strong>5. Anything by Toby Keith</strong><br />I don't know any Toby Keith song titles, and I'd like to keep it that way. But I'm pretty sure Keith'll be headlining in hell every damn night. <br />************************************************************************************<br />and...<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">5 Songs I Imagine Are Played On "Repeat" in Heaven</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">1. Beethoven's 6th Symphony</span><br />It'll all be a bit like the pegasus scene in Fantasia, 'cept I'm riding the big white one. <br /><br /><strong>2. Bizet's Carmen - Je dis que rien ne m'epouvante</strong><br />I had to have atleast one soaring opera aria in there.<br /><br /><strong>3. Edith Piaf - Non Je Ne Regrette Rien</strong><br />'I regret nothing'. I want this played at my funeral. Somebody remember that;)<br /><br /><strong>4. Bob Marley - One Love</strong><br />I think Bob Marley will be God's musician sidekick. He'll be Max Weinberg to God's Conan O'Brian, if you will.<br /><br /><strong>5. Al Green - Love and Happiness</strong><br />Woken up every morning by "The Reverand", I could handle that:)<br /><br />Add your own, please. Good to be back!<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span>Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-1163556125917103812006-11-14T17:48:00.000-08:002006-11-14T18:02:05.930-08:00Blogging vicariously though Mips<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/512/2587/1600/computer%20girl.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/512/2587/320/computer%20girl.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Over the past months I've had this blog, I've laughed, I've cried, and I've come upon a realization. Some of the wonderful friends and family that write the many comments on my blog are excellent writers who are blogging vicariously through the Mips! It's a crying shame! A few in particular (c and b, sara, little sweetie, ahem...) have so much to say, and say it well. Yet they choose to squeeze their big talents and ideas onto my tiny comment window. Was' up wit dat, yo?<br /><br />Here's what I propose: these individuals should start their own blogs, thus creating one FANTASTIC circle of blogdom. Doesn't that sound fabulous?<br /><br />Now, I know what these people will say, "But Mips, I have no time for such nonsense! Blogs take take time and energy that I do not have!" To which I respond, "Suck it up! You think I got time, foo?" If you got time to write a comment on my blog once a day, you got time to write a blog post once in a blue moon.<br /><br />I dunno, I just think the idea of a happy blog circle sounds grand. Thoughts? Excuses?Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-1162775018339807072006-11-05T16:36:00.000-08:002006-11-05T17:19:29.376-08:00"Can you read my mind?"Maybe it's just me,... But sometimes I'll hear a song for the first time, quietly listen to the words, and get caught on a lyric that I swear came straight out of my inner-monologue. So I either worship the songwriter for reading my mind, or curse myself for having not written it down first. It's not that they're terribly clever or original phrases, it's just that particular song/phrase strikes a chord with your own personal truth. So I've decided to base my next list on this concept:<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">5 Song Lyrics I Feel Like I Wrote, or Wish I Had Written:)</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br />1. Cat Power - Colors and the Kids<br />"It must be the color and the kids that keep me alive. 'Cause the music is boring me to death".<br /><br />2. Aimee Mann - Save Me<br />"Save me from the ranks of the freaks who suspect they could never love anyone".<br /><br />3. Bright Eyes - Poison Oak<br />"Now I'm drunk as hell on a piano bench. And when I press the keys, it all gets reversed. The sound of loneliness makes me happier".<br /><br />4. Jolie Holland - Mexican Blue<br />"I'll remember all the dreams and mysteries you have borne in your crystalline soul, that you sing from your golden throat, that you shine from your sparkling eyes", and/or "I love your songs, I love your sound. Everything is so much better when you're around".<br /><br />5. Van Morrison - Sweet Thing<br />"We shall walk and talk in gardens wet with rain. And I shall never, never, never grow so old again."<br /><br />Feel free to add your own!Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24869915.post-1161578672916168262006-10-22T21:33:00.000-07:002006-10-22T21:54:09.496-07:00"Well, just call me Mr. Butterfingers..."Ever get the feeling that something or someone out in the unknown is playing games with you? I ask this because in the last couple days I've been exceptionally clumsey!! One second I'll be smacking my head on the corner of my dresser, and the next I'll be stubbing my toe on an ill-placed pile of books. And everytime I swear to myself, "I don't remember that being there!" I've also banged my elbow on a swinging door and pinched my fingers in several entryways. It all seems to happen in a connected string of events. And while I whince in pain and spit out a couple of curse words, I somehow have the feeling that someone out there is having a good chuckle.<br /><br />I dunno, maybe it's just that my mind is such a ball of mush by the end of the day that I fail to notice important things like..walls, dressers, and doors:)<br /><br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/512/2587/320/mr.%20butterfingers.jpg" border="0" />Missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12137841254663010998noreply@blogger.com0