103.3 KUMD

I found out today that my song Stupid was aired on the radio. On Sunday at 3:04 PM., a DJ at a local station (103.3 KUMD) , played it in the same hour as other artists like Florence & the Machine, Tori Amos, Cat Power, Fiest, Martha Wainwright, & Kimya Dawson. All women that I admire.

I didn't get to actually hear this happen, nor experience the excitement that I always thought would accompany the event. I had romanticized the idea to be similar to the scene in "That Thing You Do!". You know, where they are running down the street and dancing in the Electronics Store as they revel in the concept that their song is sailing on the airwaves.

Instead, my dad gave me a freshly printed sheet of paper that featured a list of artists that were played on Sunday afternoon.

Either way, it's still pretty cool.

I'd like to say "Thank you!" to the dear Disc Jockey who worked the Sunday afternoon shift and liked my song enough to feature it in their set. I truly appreciate it!

When I go to England...

I will be visiting the Stokesay Court. It has been a dream of mine since I sat in the Green Hills movie theatre in 2007 and watched Atonement for the first time. They recently updated their website, as I'm sure it has become a tourist trap since it was used as the back drop of an Oscar nominated film, although it was built in 1889 by philanthropic entrepreneur, and an evangelist Christian, John Derby-Allcroft.

Once there, I intend to take every corner with a sharp, exaggerated 90 degree turn. I want to lay out on the front lawn and complain how I have nothing to do and feign disinterest for the gardner. Then maybe I'll work on writing a screen play in the garden or "give the nettles a good thrashing." I'd even consider going for a dip in the fountain if the rules permit.

Here's a view from the back of the estate. If I remember right, it is used in the darker scenes. It contributes to the more ominous mood of the film...like when Robbie is having the flashback and everyone is staggered on the porch.

If you haven't seen it, I hope I'm not giving anything away.  I've met many people who didn't care for this film, but I for one love the way in which the story is told.  It's broken into chunks and replays the same scene multiple times because in reality we never have the enitre story at our disposal when events occur that confuse us or make our life difficult. We only have snipets and our perspective can distort and skew what actually happened, especially when one has a vivid imagination. 

 There are many things that contribute to my love of this film. I'm absolutely in love with the fact that the typewriter is incorporated into the score. And I love that it's set in the 1930's and is so much like the book. But this post gives me a chance to express how much I adore the cinematography of this masterpiece. Although the film is directed by Joe Wright, Seamus McGarvey is given credit for the cinematography. Now I'm not an expert at anything, cinematography most of all. But I know what I like. And I like this film. Here are a few of my favourite shots for you to peruse.

 Another thing I love about this movie is that it is so detail driven. Even after seeing it countless times, I'm still finding choices and similarities that I have never noticed before. This past time I observed that Robbie is seen tying his boot lace...and moments later we see Cecila fuss with her sandles. I have to think that was intentional.

 "Can you do me one of your Bolshevik roll-ups?" Her accent is so thick and she talks so fast, but I think their chemistry is dynamic.

He's playing "O Soave Fanciulla, O Dolce Viso" from La bohème in case you were wondering...

I aim to see this dress in a period costume exhibit someday.

 Oh, wouldn't this be an amazing location for a game of flashlight tag?

I love how you can see Cecila light her cigarette. I feel like that is something F. Scott Fitzgerald would describe. Ian McEwan's details are quite satisfying though. I should call him the modern Fitzgerald from now on.

The cigarette smoke is connivingly stunning in this shot. I'm afraid I wasn't able to capture it.

Ah, you've got to love that wallpaper!

I'm thoroughly convinced that James McAvoy is the greatest actor of my generation. This film features some of his best work. Why wasn't he nominated for an Oscar?

Sorry, I got a bit carried away. There are just so many shots that I wanted to share with you. It's such an exquisite movie. I can't wait to tour the house someday.

Festival 5.1K 2011

This is the fourth year that I've been able to design the poster for the Duluth Heights Festival 5.1K. And you know...it's not your typical 5K.  Here's the final design for the poster.

 They also asked me to update an image on their index page. I was excited to be able to design the banner previously. But here is the banner and new image on http://www.festival5k.com/

I really should run this, but last time I ran I felt like Nancy Kerrigan might have after Tonya Harding's goon attacked her. I could hardly walk for days. Of course I could always train for it...

One Summer Dream

This dream/nightmare I had last night was all too strange not to share it publicly.  And, oddly enough, I was able to recall it quite well.

I was in a bird sanctuary with a class. I don't remember anyone from the class. I do remember that this sanctuary had a similar floor plan to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. You know, the room with the chocolate waterfall and river that Augustus Gloop falls into. Yet this sanctuary was less colourful...and probably less delicious. First I saw the wood ducks in a large birch tree across the river.

Exhibit A: (Mind you it was a male bird)

Picture by Matthew Studebaker

Then it started flying. I don't know if they can really fly. He stayed on the other side of the river though...probably looking after some nest.

I tried to take pictures with my camera phone. I don't know if this is important, but I remember that detail.

Then I realized there was a large creature close to me on the bank. Freakishly close. It was an enormous penguin. I really can't find a picture of the species that was in my dream. So, you'll need to merge these two images to get the full effect.

Yep. Scary. Cause it was looking at me like Danny DeVito. It was the size of a human too.

Then, I dropped my phone. I was fumbling for it in the grass and at my feet I discovered this.

Except it was coloured like this:

I thought it was dead because it was so still and looked like it was on display at a museum, but I don't think I've ever seen one in real life anyways. I think there was a little baby beside it too.

Then I snapped awake.

 "What does it mean, my Uncle Martin?"

I thought it was odd that all the birds were very rare. Out of curiosity, what do you think this dream means?

Happy Father's Day, Kimosabe!

This is my dad. I owe a lot to this man. He inspires me in so many ways and encourages me beyond what I deserve.

He draws cartoons and taught me how to draw by allowing me to look over his shoulder ever since I was a little girl. These are my oldest memories to this day.

He always makes me cards for my birthday. They are priceless to me. You can view and/or purchase more of his cards at http://www.iceboxcards.com/

I drew this for him a couple years ago...just an example of what I've learned from him.

He's fond of many things and finds a way to make those things interesting to me. He brings great music, great poetry, great quotes, & great people to my attention constantly.  If he likes it, I'll eventually share his opinion. And he may be the most sentimental person I've ever met.

He loves this li'l lady and my brother and me very much. But most importantly he loves our Saviour and has been an example of His love for us. Thanks for being a phenomenal father!