C'est magnifique!

When you talk about music to another person and they become as excited as you do about a particular composition, you're speaking a whole other language, one of spirits, of angels or something higher than ourselves. It's hard to explain, but it's just the way it is. My music teacher recently shared Albinoni's Adagio with me. And it really is "one of the most gorgeous works I've ever encountered" You may be familiar with it, maybe not, in either case please close your eyes and let la musica take you to where you want to be.



 


 To read more about the history of Adagio in G minor go HERE. Really is quite interesting.

Mad World

Some days I like to sit back and watch everyone going nowhere. It's a mad world. We often find ourselves getting caught up with the swift current of technology, dancing life in a daze, not stopping to look around. It's a double edge. If we want to stay connected, we have no choice but to give way to social media. Many of us choose to distance ourselves from the pressure of becoming part of the tech world...it's a mad world.

The other night in the company of friends, the topic of 'social media' came up. The majority felt that although it's a great tool of life now, it has crippled us to some degree and our social skills have gone mad. It's a mad world.   A pretty deep discussion took place...some felt that it has ruined us...and I find it kind of funny, I find it kind of sad.....people run in circles....it's a mad world.

Mad World - Gary Jules

Oolong ~ Cat ~ Dog ~ Happiness

Day of unexpected pleasures.

Yesterday, supposed storm of season.

Music

Lemon Oolong Tea

Friend

Photography

Those that have been reading the blog are aware that I began studying guitar since mid September. Could be the reason I've not been blogging much. Time is precious and how we appropriate it in our day is always a 'fun' challenge.

Friends ask 'where do you find time?'...truth is, like anyone else, I have to make time. Not easy some days, I admit. You have to find your passion.

My 'passion' for learning the guitar was tested yesterday. Well ok, I really didn't brave the snow storm, but would have if it hadn't missed us. My point is: To accomplish anything, we must be dedicated..disciplined too. Nothing's achieved overnight and my goodness, I never thought practicing guitar chords could be so painful. I've lovely little callus's on my finger tips to substantiate my daily ritual of 'the practice session' and who knows, maybe someday that phrase could change to the 'goat rodeo sessions!'  

My teacher tells me he sees progress and that's good news.  I'm loving every bit of this musical journey!!

Sea

Let me wrap you in peace and love
Come. Dance with courage, the song of life.
Reach for light, true spirit friend of mine.
Come into the deep. Find me!

Ocean depths unknown. Man's desire to make all things new.
Leagues to travel. Come. We will soar.
Echo sounds sung below...of sea, of man.
Breathe deep_____breathe deep.
Breathe glad, the sea of life is opening.
Hold firm. Grasp soft with each breath.

Inhale. Exhale.Stay strong.

Let me wrap you in peace and love
Through the tremor of currents, we glide.
Breathe deep___breathe deep.

Into the deep and out of darkness we have come.
Now towards quivering light we move.
Gentle. Pure. Visions of light breathing into me.
Open arms wide. Breathe in the light!

Let me wrap you in peace and love
Come. Dance with courage, the song of life.
Reach for light, true spirit friend of mine.
Come into the deep. Find me!

Spirits free. Vast oceans. Terra firma.
Feel the glorious strength of her embrace.
Let her wrap her tenderness around you.
Let her heal your wounds__so deep.
Let not salt tears sting anymore.
Let her breathe life into you.
She gives life.

Let us glide with grace and courage.
Lift high your head. Sail.
Treasures found, surrender to ocean deep.

Above. Below. Beneath.

We dance, we breathe. You and me.
Breathe deep___breathe deep.

Let me wrap you in peace and love
Come. Dance with courage, the song of life.
Reach for light, true spirit friend of mine.
Come into the deep. Find me!

~ Francesca

Experience Blue!

A night under a sky so blue,
so blue, so blue.

The music, the setting, the emotion....all for a very worthy cause.

I should have blogged about this a couple of months ago, but just came across some of the opening music to this spectacular fundraiser that took place back in October of 2011. It was the major Bell fundraiser for CAMH called "One Night Under A Blue Sky"

You must listen to "MIRROR MASK" by Composer/Producer Robert Marchand (Bobbyfreeze). It was one of the 'opening pieces' for the gala. I would also like to acknowledge that this amazing night was produced by Montreal's Circo de Bakuza under the guidance of Vincent Drolet. Art direction by the very talented Tony Babinski.

As you stare at the top photo and play the music, it will give you a good feeling of what being there was like. Can you imagine? What an incredible audio/visual experience that elevates to a whole new level of performance.

As part of a company group whose a major Bell Canada partner, a friend was invited to this 'blue' gala and said it was most interesting and definitely worthwhile.

You may wonder what it was all about? "One Night Under A Blue Sky" was a big time corporate fundraiser run by Bell for CAMH - Centre for Addiction and Mental Health - and aside from the financial support, the event goes a long way to raising awareness and the understanding of mental health issues. We've become so enamored with our always-on, hyperconnected lifestyles, it's sometimes easy to forget that we're humans and not machines. If you don't think this takes a toll on mental health, I'd say you need a reality check.

From what I've heard the entertainment was a cut or two above Medievel Times. They had two world class troupes, along with several performers covering a variety of expressive modes. Let's just say it was a heady mix of highbrow cabaret, precision dance, performance art, world music and Cirque du Soleil; along with lots of haute coutere, fire, fog and water. See that piano? It was on WATER! The entertainment went beyond description and those in attendance were oooh and awwwed by spectacular music and performance artists.



Congratulations to Bell for getting so much support around such an important issue. If you're looking to take your next big party to the next level and want to add a little spark, you should probably get in touch with Freedom Ballet, Robert Marchand and La Salamandre. Just make sure you give them lots of space and don't leave anything around that easily catches fire. Anyhow, just for a taste, here's a bit of what they had going on - are you thinking Peter Gabriel?




**Photo's were taken by a guest with an iphone. I enhanced them in Picasa.

*** Tony Babinski is a Montreal based writer, creator and filmaker. He has worked with SID LEE since 2000 and is author of Cirque Du Soleil:20 Years Under The Sun, the authorized history of Cirque Du Soleil. Check out Tony Babinski's blog HERE.

***CIRCO DE BAKUZA is a creative agency specializing in events, branding and experiential marketing.We define our work as telling stories and starting conversations. Our creative and strategic services are designed to create universes, create conversation and create ambassadors.