Bonanza

Yesterday, we stopped by a handcrafts/antiques store on the way to an audition for my sister. Among the other very old things and various and sundry bits of junk, there was a signed picture of the Bonanza cast. Though I considered it, I did not buy it.

 However, I am currently wavering in my resolve not to spend $22 on this my eccentricity. 

It looked something like this. 

Paper Airplane

I love taking road trips through the great state of Texas. You head north on the I35 and alternately pass through large desolate stretches of fields, small towns and a large city (Austin). But, after Waco, you are in for about 4-5 hours of just fields, highways and 18-wheelers. I may be insane, but I think that this is charming (minus the 18-wheeler part). 

It has become a sort of tradition for our family to listen to Alison Krauss + Union Station on the way up there, and I've always enjoyed it. However, I especially enjoyed/related to their latest album. It's pretty melancholy, but in a thoughtful way. I like it.

Lay My Burden Down, On the Outside Looking In, and Miles to Go were some of my favorites, but I especially love the lyrics to the title track: 

I've put it all behind me, nothing left to do or doubt 
Some may say 
But every silver lining always seems to have a cloud 
That comes my way 
Anticipated pleasure or unexpected pain 
No choice I feel 
Love is hard to measure, hidden in the rain 
That's why you'll find me 

Here all alone and still wondering why 
Waitin inside for the cold to get colder 
And here where it's clear that I've wasted my time 
Hopin to fly cause it's almost over now 
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/a/alison+krauss/paper+airplane_20907320.html ] 
People come together, people go their own way 
Love conquers few 
And I'll do whatever I'll say what I need to say 
Just not for you 

How many days should I smile with a frown? 
'Cause you're not around with the sun on your shoulders 
And how many nights must I wake up alone 
And know in my soul that it's almost over now? 

Love is like a paper airplane 
Flyin in the folded dent 
Ridin high dippin low 
But innocence is fair again 
I'm hopin I can hold it in 
Our love will die I know...

~Alison Krauss, Paper Airplane

Of Connections and Conversations: A Day in the Life

So today, I made an important discovery.

No, it wasn't that Dvorak is random, unorganized dissonant and remarkably difficult to play due to many accidental sharps, flats and imaginary notes.

I found that out yesterday.

What I found out today will positively astound you. On one condition: you have to be well-versed in unknown Hollywood westerns of the 1940s and/or WWII military heroes. Or have the ability to utilize Google.

Have you ever heard of Audie Murphy? He was a WWII military hero and 1940s Hollywood cowboy. The name is probably remotely familiar. TCM (Turner Classic Movies) is always playing promos for boxed sets of his films. And the name is pretty common sounding.

This is Audie Murphy.

and, according to the genealogy book on our bookshelf, we are related to him distantly (I repeat, distantly) by a common ancestor, so-and-so Lunsford. I am excited, and this was one of the two things that made my day today.

...anyway, other than making such important excavations, I am planning on going to the Majestic Theatre tomorrow to see the matinee of...wait for it..."Mary Poppins on Broadway!" Of course, it's not actually on Broadway, but you get the idea. I am very excited. I shall wear heels. (I'm having a random day.)

I am also working on a quintet that involves the previously mentioned Dvorak. I will say no more.

The good thing about being homeschooled is that your mom has executive power...she decided that I could "rearrange" my Tuesday to be able to study for the PSAT more, and so I spent the day listening to Geometry lectures. Joy and joy! 

Oh, yeah. The PSAT. ahem.

One nice thing to do to blow off some steam/relax/enjoy a little life is talk to your friend in South Dakota! (Unless you don't have a friend in South Dakota, in which case you should look into the nearest asylum.) Anyway, it was a great conversation, and we talked about a lot: they have salsa way up thar, just like in Texas (I was shocked), they don't have Chipotle (I was saddened), and other such various and sundry things.  It was the other event that made my day.

Tomorrow I have to get up. Isn't that sad? I guess it is mostly normal, but still.

It's late and I've started rambling. I'll just shut the computer now, I've become incoherent.

Adios.

(which is Spanish for "Oh, there goes my brain.")

Olivia.

Letter Tag

Comment to this entry/post and I'll give you a letter. List ten things that you love that begin with that letter and then post that list on your journal/blog.

Marian gave me "S"...awesome. :)

Sinatra. Frank.
SHERLOCK
Sisters (the Andrews. And mine.)
Shoes
Singing in the shower (two for one, not bad!)
Scarlett (the name)
San Antonio
Sydney Carton (of A Tale of Two Cities fame)
"Since You Went Away"
Spencer Tracy

The Death of a Bookstore

oh, maybe just a little. Let's just say...Borders is closing and I'm all very sorry. Mostly, I'm glad because it forced such really nice sales as this one. The sticker says: $4.99. Cue a happy squeal.


Coffee table book or no, this has so many really nice quality pictures and quotes.

Because I am crazy and had $10 to spend before the store collapsed on our heads, I bought two. Isn't that great?

Anyway, I'm done ranting and raving and bragging now. How are you? ;)