Music Loves: Sara Sant'Ambrogio (and a couple of extras..)

Lounge Play List:

Sara Sant'Ambrogio ~ Nocturne in E-Flat major

For me...to sit, cook, read or walk with my cello play list soothing me on my iPod is music bliss. And I do have quite the collection..lol..but was surprised by two new pieces the other day..so you can find something new everyday. I do enjoy most cellists but the one that stole my musical heart years ago was the very lovely and extremely talented Ms Sara Sant'Ambrogio. She is by far and above the most emotive soloist out there...and she has captivated me ever since hearing her play on the MTV Classical music channel..remember those days?? lol.

sarasantambrogio.com

The first album I purchased of hers was the album Dreaming which has a great mix of classics and contemporary pieces. The one that stands out for me is Chopin's Nocturne in E-Flat major. I love Chopin anyway but the way Sara interprets his wonderful nocturne has a very profound effect on me every time..and believe me I have listened to it many times lol. I am a great tango lover so her Libertango is sublime. In fact there is only one piece that I don't enjoy and that is purely a personal dislike of the piece of music...Flight of the Bumblebee..although I am told she has recorded the fastest playing of this piece. A talent in itself, eh? lol

The very beautiful Dreaming album

Sara has recorded one other solo album and that is the wonderful Sant'Ambrogio Bach 135 Suites album. (correct at publishing but happy to be corrected..~R~)

Sant'Ambrogio BACH 135

Sara was originally in the string trio Eroica but sadly I don't have their albums to share. For me the cello connects with my soul and it lifts me out of whatever mood I am in..or situation..for I am know to plug in and escape in certain situations..lol. And I am always very happy when it's Sara playing.

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I have a song that is particularly special to me but it isn't a Sant'Ambrogio piece..it's by my favourite British rock band Thunder. The song is My Darkest Hour and it is a cello and guitar piece with the beautiful lyrics of Luke Morley..sang perfectly by Danny Bowes. And if you click on the link below it should take you to it..(Hopefully..lol)

http://youtu.be/D0o6CWfBaS8

What did you think? I hope you enjoyed it...

One other piece of cello music I found and I shared it as my song of the day this week was the very haunting and beautiful The Piano Guys version of Christina Perri's A Thousand Years...this one brought tears to my eyes..lol And hopefully the link will take you there...hopefully...lol

http://youtu.be/QgaTQ5-XfMM

I do have many more cello pieces I could share with you..but I'll save them for another time as the two in mind are still new to me and very lovely..and I'm not ready to share them yet.

Thank you as always for stopping by and I promise you a fully functioning food blog as soon as I can but thank you for sticking with me through these rough months. It's appreciated.

I hope your Friday is fabulous..

~R~

Be Kind Folks...

Lounge Play List:

Portishead ~ Dummy Album

I am not ashamed to admit it..today's post comes from the folks at Pinterest. I sat for hours trying to come up with something to blog about but my creative doohickey was lost to me today. I found this 'poster' when I was having a Pinning marathon in the week and saved it because I was struck by the simplicity and the vital "Huh..that's beautiful!" moment. So I share it with you today..what do you think?

I take no credit for this..at all..found via Pinterest.com

And of course it wouldn't be my blog without a little humour..so this one appealed to me greatly....and  seemed to fit for today's posting. Enjoy!

I take no credit for this..at all..found via Pinterest.com

It's always about the love, isn't it? No matter what form it comes in..even if it is filled with mischief..lol

Thanks for stopping by and I hope your Thursday is being kind to you?

~R~

Art: Moon Over the Ocean

Lounge Play List:

Nickelback ~ Here and Now Album

Today has been a rubbish day in the Rocket and Rose household. And it doesn't look like it's going to get any better..Urgh. However I did have the most wonderful surprise from my lovely Mum. She is a life long artist and I have blogged about her work on here before under the Art a la Mum label.

She arrived for her regular Wednesday afternoon lunch and catch up. As she breezed into the lounge she was very distracted with pulling something out of her large over sized bag. She looked up and smiled and said "Hello.." and then promptly flung a A3 sized piece of paper at me in disgust. She attends a regular art class and this week their given medium was Acrylic..her most loathed medium. lol. The subject had to be Moon based...and as my Mum is her own worst critic of her own work..she completed the assignment..took it in to be told it was fantastic by the tutor! But in my Mums eyes..it wasn't 'good enough'..lol

So I unrolled this piece of paper and was completely sickened bowled over by the talent this woman has but just doesn't see it!! I love the moon over the ocean art...photos, paintings..and any medium it comes in. But as my own worst creative critic..I tend to be on the 'too' honest side of opinions with others too..lol...so when I said that I loved it..Mum huffed and said "It's not good..but if you think it is..keep it!" That is a win for me because I love it! lol.

Moon Over The Ocean ~ Yeah she's awful isn't she??? lol

So that is it for today..I intend on spending the rest of the day..with music and words..and maybe the odd movie. lol.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope your Wednesday is being very good to you?

~R~

Courage

Work Room Play List:

Stevie Ray Vaughan ~ Pride and Joy
Billy Joel ~ Woman
James Newton Howard ~ I Want You (Love theme)
Katy Perry ~ I Kissed A Girl
Republica ~ Drop Dead Gorgeous
The Smiths ~ Sweet and Tender Hooligan
The Blow ~ Who Composed This Song
Doris Day ~ Let's Face the Music and Dance
Santana ft Michelle ~ The Game of Love
Brandi Carlile ~ Turpentine
Foo Fighters ~ Razor
Queen ~ We Will Rock You

It would be safe to say that my health issues are really weighing heavy on me right now. I am rejecting one of the medications and that is leaving me in more pain than I am used to contending with on a daily basis. So finding something to blog about that isn't laced with Ouches and Urghs has been tricky for me over the last few days. So this morning when I was wide awake at 2am I was laid thinking..How do I get through another day of this? The answer was very simple really...I just will. I will face the day head on..and make it happen. Now this is all very simple to think when tucked up in bed, painkillers slowly seeping into your system and a beautiful cello adagio is playing into your soft 'bed' earphones.

But this is my reality right now..as they say  "Yesterday is gone..tomorrow is unknown..you have today!" Whoever it was who that said that obviously wasn't living with a long term illness or they would have amended it to "...But if you are suffering..take it hour by hour my friend"

Image found online and I take no credit for its creation

I found this image whilst on Pinterest and it really stopped me for a few minutes. Because courage is something you need..by the bucket load..when you are living with a long term illness. You can't just live your life like others around you..you do the best you can but each day is a new challenge..and to face that you need courage because some days are very much harder than others. And some days you are merely existing on the sidelines of life..with your loved one. If you are lucky enough to have that person there who shares in everything you are going through...and are there by choice. These people are the true heroes in this picture...

Personally I have a number of things in place when things are at their most challenging..Music..couldn't do this without it. It is as necessary as breathing to me..when I need to shut off from the world I simply pop in my earphones..turn my iPod to high and close my eyes. Books..I get lost between the covers of the many books I have around the house..escaping into someone else's creation and I forget what is happening with me for a while..or at least until the next painkiller intake..lol Movies...shutting out the world and getting lost a good movie or movies on a really bad day is essential. Again it's all about the distraction and feeling as good as you possibly can for that moment in time. Interaction..the inclination to shut yourself off from everyone is a very strong urge to fight. You can get tired of being 'just your illness' and talking about it with everyone...everyone who loves and cares for you and I wouldn't be without a single one of most fantastic people in my life..ever! But you can lose sight of who you are and what you can do..and recently I have rediscovered an element of interaction that I had neglected...simply talking! It's easy to keep your head down and make it through each day..but make the effort folks..and talk to someone..it's such a rush..lol And helps makes things seem so much easier to deal with.

Image is not mine and I take no credit for it...But isn't it great?

My life is certainly made up of the steps above. I make big plans the night before..and then depending on how well I'm feeling..is how much I actually achieve that day. But I always have a plan for the day..some days I may be sat right down at the bottom of the steps..thinking everything is impossible..others I make it up a couple of steps..and then a little higher. And then there are those blissful days where I make it to the top and yes..I too dance around like a loon at the top too! lol

I guess what I am trying to say is...each moment is a challenge...for everyone even if they aren't living with a health problem. But I know I have friends out there who do and they read my blog (Sending out love to you H & V) and although I wouldn't wish any one of us to being going through this..I think it's important to remind each other and myself that..we can do this..we can face this day head on..we can!

So stay strong out there..whether it's a physical or emotional illness/problem you are living with and feel like you are buckling under..Come on...we.can.do.this!

And if all else fails my lovely readers...we could just adopt Sheldon's feel better prop...

Image not mine and I take no credit for it..but isn't it great lol ~R~

Sit down with the The Big Bang Theory gang and let them laugh your pain away..I frequently do! lol

Thanks for stopping by and I hope your Tuesday is very good one...

~R~

Music Loves: Chris Cornell

Lounge Play List:

Bryan Adams ~ I Think About You
Evanescence ~ My Immortal
Brandi Carlile ~ My Story
Within Temptation ~ What Have You Done Now?
Claire Teal ~ What Are You Doing For The Rest of Your Life
Audioslave ~ Show Me How to Live
Bing Crosby ~ Now You Has (sic) Jazz!
The Pretty Reckless ~ You Make Me Wanna Die
Joan Jett ~ I Love Rock & Roll
Alanis Morrisette ~ Let's Do It
Freemasons ~ Uninvited


Today's blog is brought to you by the musical genius that is Mr Chris Cornell..the former and current Soundgarden singer. I liked Soundgarden but they didn't get to me like other bands around at the time. I enjoyed them...would be a fair assessment of my feelings for them. lol And of course I would be remiss if I didn't show an old image of Cornell from back in the day...

Rock star..eh? lol

My deep appreciation of Cornell came when he formed Audioslave...from the first time I heard Cochise playing on MTV I was hooked..and very soon became a full blown Audioslave junkie. I couldn't get enough of them. But for me that original self titled album will always be the one that makes my blood tingle when I listen to any of the songs from it.

Audioslave by Audioslave lol

Truly there isn't a single track that I don't like on this album but my favourites are first and foremost Show Me How To Live...Cochise and Light My Way. Oh who am I kidding..they are all my favourites..can't be that objective about this album. This is one of those..gets your soul..albums. lol

Audioslave album track listing..

I sadly never got to see them live and with the recent reformation of Soundgarden I'm hoping that one day Audioslave will do the same. Even if I'm using a Zimmer frame..I will be rocking at that gig! lol

Slightly more recent shot of Cornell

I unashamedly admit that I was gutted when they split but my heart was soon repaired when I played Cornell's Carry On album...and yep you guessed it...I became a solo Cornell junkie..lol

Cornell's Carry On album

This album is my favourite of Cornell's solo work. It is at times heartbreaking..funny..thought provoking..all things an album needs to be for me.lol. I do like his subsequent albums although the Timbaland produced album took me a while...lol Arms Around Your Love drags hurt from your bones as you can relate to his feelings...Finally Forever will get to you too..be warned..lol. No Such Thing, Poison Eye, Your Soul Today, You Know My Name are the stomping rock songs..and the remainder of the album is filled with thought provoking and beautiful songs.

Final gratuitous Cornell shot because..well why not? lol

So that is my musings on one of my music loves..there are many..lol I hope that I may have inspired you to check out Cornell's work...You really should..lol

Thank you for stopping by and I hope your Sunday is a good one?

~R~

Artwork: Mermaids & Tattoo Art

Lounge Play List:

INXS ~ Need You Tonight
The Gossip ~ Vertical Rhythm
Ocean Colour Scene ~ Moseley Shoals
The Rolling Stones ~ Sympathy For the Devil
Imelda May ~ Proud & Humble
Sara Sant'Ambrogio ~ Ave Maria
The Union ~ Easy Street
Kings of Leon ~ I Want You
KT Tunstall ~ Through the Dark
Kenny Wayne Band ~ Never Lookin Back

We have sunshine here on this lovely Saturday morning...and I'm awaiting the arrival of my sister and her little ones. It's going to be a great day. So my posting today is a reflection of my happy state of mind and it is three pieces of artwork that I found recently.

I really wish I could give credit to the artist for this work...but whoever you are..thank you!

I've had a love of mermaids since being a small child...my Mum used to draw stories of them for me as bedtime stories. And she even made me a piece of artwork of two mermaids sat on a rock..I still have it and it is treasured. Those of you that follow my blog will not be surprised that cellos have turned up once again...the cello is my soul instrument..when it is playing I feel the fragmented parts of me, coming back together. I also love the shape of a cello...maybe because it reminds me of many other paintings I enjoy..mainly portraits of a woman's back. When I found this image online I wasn't sure at first if I liked it...I knew I should because of the two elements that I love...but after careful consideration...Yes I like them very much. I wouldn't want to own one...but I can appreciate the talent that it took to paint the beautiful scenes...and after all..it's a cello! lol

Artist ~ David Delamare

In keeping with the mermaid theme this piece of fantasy art really caught my eye..for me it was a very emotive piece. There is nothing more beautiful then a mother with her child...OK..a father with his child also..Sorry to the fathers out there! The beauty in this piece is many layered for me. I love the moon hanging peacefully in the indigo sky...the calm sea in the distance...the starfish on the rocks...the mermaid is maybe too perfect but the part that pulls it all together is the embrace in which she holds her child. I can feel the love and protection she has for her little one. Quite lovely..

Artist unknown...shame.

Of course I had to include a piece of body art..lol. Now I'm not sure if this is a real tattoo or a body painting..I suspect the latter. If you know this piece, recipient or artist and I am wrong..please feel free to correct me. I thought as a chest piece it was great. Not something I would have done myself..but I can appreciate the statement it makes and the talent of the design.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope your Saturday is a very, very good one...

~R~

One Word Answers....

Lounge Play List:

Thunder ~ Loser
Ciara ~ Love, Sex, Magic
UB40 ~ Kingston Town
Erasure ~ Sometimes
Audioslave ~ Set it Off
Thunder ~ Out of my Head
Chris Cornell ~ Sweet Revenge
Nirvana ~ In Bloom
Doris Day ~ The Party's Over

Today I take no credit for this piece of fun..I borrowed the idea from a pal's blog minibreakmummy.wordpress.com A great blog which I highly recommend you taking a look at. This just looked like a laugh..and it is Friday! So thanks Ruth for the idea.

1. Where is your cell phone? Chair
2. Where is your significant other? Sofa
3. Your hair? Wild
4. Your mother? Painting
5. Your father? London
6. Your favorite city? NY
7. Your dream last night? Interesting
8. Your favorite drink? Jack
9. Your dream/goal? Health
10. What room you are in? Lounge
11. Your hobby? Cooking

Veggie Stew of course...lol

12. Your fear? Bugs
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Well
14. Where were you last night? Home
15. Something that you are not? Patient
16. Muffins? Vegan
17. Wish list item? Waterfalls
18. Where you grew up? Devon
19. Last thing you did? Typed
20. What are you wearing? Smile
21. Your TV? Old
22. Your pets? Westie
23. Friends? Treasures
24. Your life? Challenging
25. Your mood? Happy
26. Missing some one? Always
27. Car? BIKE
28. Something you’re not wearing? Grimace
29. Your favorite store? Amazon
30. Your favorite color? Red
31. When is the last time you laughed? Now
32. Last time you cried? Yesterday
33. Who else will try this meme? Clueless
34. One place that I go to over and over? Water

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy this moment of fun...and I hope your Friday is a good one..

~R~