Dizzy Swallows

The Simple Things

August 31st, 2012

Autumn is slowly creeping in, making its presence felt in the chill morning air, the curtailed evening light, the dry leaves that have begun to surreptitiously accumulate on the grass. I am loath to give up on summer, though it’s difficult to deny the change in the seasons whilst huddled in an over-sized wool sweater. Admittedly, this summer has been a whirlwind of emotion and change, so perhaps the shift to cozy, misty fall will bring respite from these figurative buffeting winds.

In the meantime, I am savoring the little moments, the simple pleasures of the last strains of summer. This short video from artist Vitùc represents such things splendidly. And I’m open to theories on the last 30 seconds of darkness…

Have you made the mental shift to Autumn yet? … Continue reading

Cat Power: Sun

August 29th, 2012

For the first time in six long years, Chan Marshall, the creative force behind Cat Power, has released a new album, appropriately titled Sun. Not only that, but thanks to the good folks at NPR Music, you can now stream the album in its entirety.

For longtime fans of Chan Marshall, whose career has spanned nearly two decades, Sun may come as something of a shock. Past Cat Power albums feature a slew of moody ballads, intimate confessionals, cutting notes, arty blues, and ethereal vocals. I myself admit to relegating certain songs to rainy day/curl up in a blanket playlists, and saving the entire album You Are Free for when I’m feeling particularly existential or need a really, really good cry (“Good Woman”, anyone?). As they so aptly quip on NPR, “She could sing random figures from her tax returns and convey more heartache and … Continue reading

Another Reason to Love Alan Rickman

August 22nd, 2012

Whether you just know him as Snape, or whether you have enjoyed him for years as Colonel Brandon, Metatron, Harry, Sheriff George of Nottingham, Phil Allen, or even Hans Gruber, we can all agree that Alan Rickman is amazing. He’s even been deemed a “phone book” actor – meaning many people would be happy to listen to him read the phone book.

Well Rickman fans, here’s your chance to watch him make tea in super slow-motion. Oh, did I mention it’s set to he soundtrack from Inception? If you’re daunted by the 7 minutes of playtime, just hold on through minute 4 when things really start to get interesting…

This video is part of artist David Michalek’s Portraits in Dramatic Time film series. Each short film features a different actor’s “glacially paced performance”. Each performance represents just a brief 10-15 seconds, but … Continue reading

Little Bits for a Monday

August 20th, 2012

Good morning my dears. I trust we all had a lovely weekend? Here in Seattle we’ve enjoyed a gorgeously sunny August. A good thing too, as we have considerable work to do on the old homestead before the autumnal rains are upon us.

Today I wanted to share a fun little ditty, from two bands I was recently introduced to. The song is called “I Don’t Know What I Can Save You From” by the Norwegian duo, Kings of Convenience. This particular track is remixed by fellow Norwegians, Röyksopp. I highly recommend checking out both groups, Kings for their airy, Elliott Smith-like vocal and unassuming guitar, Röyksopp for their sheer prowess in what is referred to as “warm” electronica.

All this talk of Norway has my traveling feet itching. How I would love to float through sunlit mists at the Geiranger Fjord. Speaking of Norway, remember this… Continue reading

Then We Warmed Our House

August 16th, 2012

It was a perfect day for a housewarming. Perhaps to foreshadow our own imminent feasting, it began with the rustle and crunch of the local band of squirrels massacring our filberts.

The afternoon came on sunny and hot as any I’ve known, with just the right amount of breeze to keep the air fresh as only the Pacific Northwest can be.

Old friends, new friends, family, they all came and went throughout the afternoon and evening.

A huge steak of fresh, seared tuna, homemade burgers with all the fixings, jerk chicken, teriyaki chicken, vegetarian frankfurters, salads of every description, grilled peaches, grilled veggies, and everything in between were thoroughly enjoyed.

Bocce ball was played, slacklines were walked, beverages were consumed, and the Perseid meteor shower even made for late night entertainment.

And what’s a party without a little champagne.

A successful warming if I do say so myself. Thank you … Continue reading