Thursday, April 28, 2011
QUOTE
“I believe that humanity is largely motivated by a sense of belonging to something we haven’t quite seen yet but can almost remember. Being awkward is a part of life.” -Brian Kershisnik
Just a thought about artists and I guess people in general
It's often that I get annoyed by musicians when they tend to go off in their own music world. You'll be at a show and loving it, but then the performers will just go crazy and do a 20 minute instrumental section that seems to be disconnected noise- hello indie music. I remember one time I was at a show and afterwords one of the people I was with was all giddy about meeting the band (it was Clap Your Hands Say Yeah a few months before they were in Rolling Stone). I asked him why he was being so geeky about it and his response was, "They know music, and that means they know me." I always thought it was the douche-iest thing I'd ever heard, and I still find it entertaining, but I think I get it now.
I do the same thing with art. Musicians get obsessed with sounds (Sufjan Stevens) and sometimes it seems like only musicians like it because they "get it." I have created several paintings that are just about paint. I think every painting should be partly about paint, like music should be partly about the music, but art (in all forms) can't always be just about the medium.
I think it's this line of thought that is helping me appreciate Cy Twombly's art for the first time ever.
Sometimes it's okay to paint about paint, and sometimes it's okay to have a song about music. I imagine that giant bobble-head of a person must have felt the way I feel when I look at a beautiful painting about paint. When I can tell the artist is getting something I get, and in that moment where I'm looking at their art we have a Zion.
Sometimes the art is about the medium and sometimes it's about the subject, but sometimes it's about both. I think a successful work of art can be about the paint alone, but it cannot only be about the subject. If all you want to say is, "Here is the subject," take a picture. I guess it's the same with music. If you just want to say something, a disregard the musical merit of it (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD2LRROpph0) than just say it, don't even bother with the music.
What I previously saw as a musician-snob trait, I now see as an everyone trait. Scientist do it, visual artists, lawyers, educators, writers, musicians, performers, doctors, salt and pepper shaker collectors- they all have their own shop talk, and they all do it. I guess the point is that I should stop separating the musicians and getting mad because they do what I do in my own way all the time. Perhaps part of my frustration is rooted in jealousy. I want to know what they know, and I don't. But there's hope! I've felt that same feeling of "getting" a brushstroke or painting, only with music! Example: Sufjan Stevens. I really felt like I got what he was saying at his show I went to- maybe that sounds dumb and maybe I didn't get it, but it all fit so well. The lights, the graphics, the music, the lyrics- I was lost in it all and I felt that I knew just where it was going.
I'm falling asleep and once again I've written a disconnected and raw post- enjoy.
I do the same thing with art. Musicians get obsessed with sounds (Sufjan Stevens) and sometimes it seems like only musicians like it because they "get it." I have created several paintings that are just about paint. I think every painting should be partly about paint, like music should be partly about the music, but art (in all forms) can't always be just about the medium.
Sometimes it's okay to paint about paint, and sometimes it's okay to have a song about music. I imagine that giant bobble-head of a person must have felt the way I feel when I look at a beautiful painting about paint. When I can tell the artist is getting something I get, and in that moment where I'm looking at their art we have a Zion.
What I previously saw as a musician-snob trait, I now see as an everyone trait. Scientist do it, visual artists, lawyers, educators, writers, musicians, performers, doctors, salt and pepper shaker collectors- they all have their own shop talk, and they all do it. I guess the point is that I should stop separating the musicians and getting mad because they do what I do in my own way all the time. Perhaps part of my frustration is rooted in jealousy. I want to know what they know, and I don't. But there's hope! I've felt that same feeling of "getting" a brushstroke or painting, only with music! Example: Sufjan Stevens. I really felt like I got what he was saying at his show I went to- maybe that sounds dumb and maybe I didn't get it, but it all fit so well. The lights, the graphics, the music, the lyrics- I was lost in it all and I felt that I knew just where it was going.
I'm falling asleep and once again I've written a disconnected and raw post- enjoy.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Retraction
In case anyone caught my last last blog, ignore it. I was having an existential freak-out of sorts. I don't want to stop blogging. I do agree with what I said though...because I said it? Anyway, more blogs to come...and definitely more freak-outs.
Enjoy: toothpastefordinner.com
(This makes me miss Sister Crystal Turner!)
Oh no! Toothpastefordinner isn't so funny anymore...now it's just vulgar and whiny...if you do check it out go for the old cartoons, like circa 2003ish
(This makes me miss Sister Crystal Turner!)
Oh no! Toothpastefordinner isn't so funny anymore...now it's just vulgar and whiny...if you do check it out go for the old cartoons, like circa 2003ish
Sunday, April 17, 2011
My last blog
I've decided to stop blogging. I guess I just got tired of writing in my journal and making it public. I can't put in any of the juicy details or personal bits, and well, maybe it's just a sad attempt to get views or try to validate my owns opinions. I'm not trying to harsh on anyone else's blog. There are some great blogs out there and I really appreciate keeping up with friends, but my blog isn't about that anymore.
For my last post I want to mention some lessons I've learned over the last year, and in true Laura-blogging form, I'll present it as a list.
1. This lesson supersedes all of my other lessons. I can't teach anyone anything. I can't make someone know something. I can't give anyone sufficient answers. So many people are searching for complex answers to complex questions, but the truth is- that's all crap. You'll spend years, and probably your lifetime, searching for answers in vain, when the truth is you already know the answers. The truth is simple. We want someone else to do the work for us and to give us satisfying answers to life's conundrums, but only we can find the answers for ourselves. I've learned so many lessons this year, none of which I can begin to explain on a blog. I can't give your the answers- that's up to you and God, whoever that is to you (I can't tell you who that is either).
Okay, so I wrote several more lessons, but then I realized it was all pointless to share. Lesson one says it all. So here's a reading list, take it or leave it :)
The Life and Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith by Truman G. Madsen
Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage
Anything from Hugh Nibley
My favorite quote
The Joseph Smith papers
The King Follett Sermon
The Fisherman and his Wife by the Brothers Grimm
If you're doing what you should be doing, then you'll be doing what you should be doing. The more good you do, the more good you do. You always find what you're looking for.
For my last post I want to mention some lessons I've learned over the last year, and in true Laura-blogging form, I'll present it as a list.
1. This lesson supersedes all of my other lessons. I can't teach anyone anything. I can't make someone know something. I can't give anyone sufficient answers. So many people are searching for complex answers to complex questions, but the truth is- that's all crap. You'll spend years, and probably your lifetime, searching for answers in vain, when the truth is you already know the answers. The truth is simple. We want someone else to do the work for us and to give us satisfying answers to life's conundrums, but only we can find the answers for ourselves. I've learned so many lessons this year, none of which I can begin to explain on a blog. I can't give your the answers- that's up to you and God, whoever that is to you (I can't tell you who that is either).
Okay, so I wrote several more lessons, but then I realized it was all pointless to share. Lesson one says it all. So here's a reading list, take it or leave it :)
The Life and Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith by Truman G. Madsen
Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage
Anything from Hugh Nibley
My favorite quote
The Joseph Smith papers
The King Follett Sermon
The Fisherman and his Wife by the Brothers Grimm
If you're doing what you should be doing, then you'll be doing what you should be doing. The more good you do, the more good you do. You always find what you're looking for.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
All over the place...life your mom.
So first I should start by getting a few things out of the way.
I really botched up the 14 Days of Valentine's this year. What did I do, 2 or 3? But you know what- my whole year has been about loving myself and others. Since I got my calling last spring as the Compassionate Service Leader in my ward I've tried to focus on serving others- and it's made me so happy!
I mentioned healthy things for my first couple of Valentine's activities, and that's been a big focus for me the last few months. I've got a Wellness Coach (she helps me make goals and keep track of them. She also helps me talk things through and look at my victories and find ways to challenge myself) and a personal trainer. I go running 2-3 days a week...well, I'm working my way up. I started only being able to run for 1 minute intervals, with 3 minutes of walking in between, but now I can run for 11 minutes straight! It's exciting to see my progression and push myself. I always wanted to run, but for the first time in my life it's happening! My personal trainer is helping me with strength training, something I've never really done before! At first I thought it was awful, but now I see how wonderful it can be. I weight train 3 days a week. I feel myself getting strong and hey, I've lost 10 more pounds! I also like to toss in pilates, and I tried yoga- I need to make myself go back more...it's SO hard! And this week I'm trying out lap swimming!
Some of my long term goals include running some 5ks this summer, buying some nice jeans, and hiking that #%m@$! waterfall hike all the way to the top!!!
Spiritually I've been trying to improve myself too! I've been listening to LDS talks all year, but more recently I started listening to Hugh Nibley talks! Hugh Nibley is amazing and he says it like it is. Sometimes it's tough, and the truth hurts, but I just love him!
As important as it is to be physically fit, it's even more important to be spiritually fit! BUT! I think to be our best spiritually, we have to be strong physically, and in contrast to be our best physically we have to be strong spiritually! Our bodies and spirits are SO connected, it's ridiculous!
Hmm let's see...I've also purchased a guitar and I'm attempting to learn how to play. Let's just say...it's a slow process for the rhythmically and coordination-challenged.
I'm also trying to get ready to do my Masters in Education project, apply for jobs in the fall, and learn to garden and bake bread...so LIFE IS AWESOME! Did I succeed to presenting regular blogs in the last few moths, no. Is life moving along anyway, yes.
So, I meant for that to be a brief note...but I'm Laura. Originally I was going to list my turn-ons and turn-offs, basically repeating this post I did: http://lauraconsistentlyinconsistent.blogspot.com/2010/01/so-i-was-driving-through-campus-and.html SO, I got this far:
"Turn-offs:
Picky eaters. I want a man who will eat what I give him. I want a man who likes to try new food. I want a man who will eat any flavor hummus I concoct. I'm not saying he can't have a few dislikes, I don't like peppers or rye bread, but let's not get crazy.
Swearing. Okay, now here's where I get really hypocritical. I've definitely done a lot of swearing in my life. Most especially in the 7-8th grade (My mouth was dirtier than a 20 year-old latrine boiling in West Virginia). BUT! I can't help it, when I hear a man swear I cringe and think, "Ick, really?" Now I don't swear as much these days, but I slip here and there. So I guess I should be more forgiving of men who occasionally slip too. Hmm, maybe. I'll be honest though, a certain man I find very attractive said the "D" word, and maybe one or two other little ones in my presence, and I got over it. So maybe this turn-off is a secondary one. I'd prefer it if swearing wasn't a regular occurrence, but if you slip here or there, or throw in a "D" word- I'll probably forgive you. But as a general rule, swearing is stupid!
Showing off your underclothes, tramp stamp canvas, or happy trails. Don't get me wrong, one day I might want to see your manscape- but save it for the honeymoon. Now you might be thinking, "Hey baby, I'm just giving you a preview." But guess what, it's more like the when I saw the trailer for RENT. I knew I didn't want it 39 seconds in. The best preview you can give is clothing that fits. Jeans, pants, suits, shorts, onesies- bring them on! Okay...so I don't want to see your crack, lower back, or...well, anyway, I don't want to see it. But even more, I don't want to see your LDS garments. Garments are a personal and sacred thing, and there isn't a whole lot more that turns me off than seeing your personal business hanging out the back. Oh and ps, we can see your bum through them. So A. I feel uncomfortable for seeing your sacred undies, and B. I can see you bum. Lesson: Cover up! For now...bwahahaha.
Liking lame bands. If I ask you, "What kind of music do you like? Specifically, which bands?" And you answer, "Nickleback, Creed, Atreyu etc." You've just been tested, and you FAILED.
Being too beefy. I'm not saying you shouldn't work out! Do, it's wonderful for your health! I can see how it would get addicting to, weight training I mean, but take back a few notches. If you can't have your arms parallel to your torso, you've gone too far. If your arms are wider than my thighs, you've really gone too far. If you have cleavage that exceeds an Olsen twin in a push-up, you may have gone too far. If you have more than 6 visible ab muscles, you've gone too far (I count 8 here, he's gone too far. Plus, eww.)If I can't see your Adam's-apple because your neck and shoulder muscles swallowed it, you've gone too far. Let's all be healthy, but let's not be obsessed. Moderation in all things guys!"
AND THEN...I realized it was a dumb post. How can my life be so busy and wonderful, but my mind still finds the time to obsess about men? Curse you men and your mind control! I'm not looking for someone perfect...usually I'm not even looking. But always the thinking...always the analyzing...always the wishing...and then usually the feeling pathetic about it. HA. I know just how Wolverine feels.
Life is too wonderful to clutter your mind with necessary things. For example, here are a few good things I've experienced:
The Punch Brothers live at the Egyptian Theater in Ogden, Utah. I was continually smitten by all of them.
Change of Sunday Meeting House! We now meet in the building right behind my house so I can walk to church, and we went from 9 am to 1 pm until further notice!
Working for the school district to help with evaluations. It's been great seeing all of the schools, teachers, and classrooms! Also...money is nice.
Finding two new roommates! Jernae and Charity are moving in at the beginning of June!
Coming Attraction: MY MOM VISITING ME!
Holi Festival!
Kid History 4
So life is good...and men are too...but that doesn't mean I should think about the latter all the time.
I really botched up the 14 Days of Valentine's this year. What did I do, 2 or 3? But you know what- my whole year has been about loving myself and others. Since I got my calling last spring as the Compassionate Service Leader in my ward I've tried to focus on serving others- and it's made me so happy!
I mentioned healthy things for my first couple of Valentine's activities, and that's been a big focus for me the last few months. I've got a Wellness Coach (she helps me make goals and keep track of them. She also helps me talk things through and look at my victories and find ways to challenge myself) and a personal trainer. I go running 2-3 days a week...well, I'm working my way up. I started only being able to run for 1 minute intervals, with 3 minutes of walking in between, but now I can run for 11 minutes straight! It's exciting to see my progression and push myself. I always wanted to run, but for the first time in my life it's happening! My personal trainer is helping me with strength training, something I've never really done before! At first I thought it was awful, but now I see how wonderful it can be. I weight train 3 days a week. I feel myself getting strong and hey, I've lost 10 more pounds! I also like to toss in pilates, and I tried yoga- I need to make myself go back more...it's SO hard! And this week I'm trying out lap swimming!
Some of my long term goals include running some 5ks this summer, buying some nice jeans, and hiking that #%m@$! waterfall hike all the way to the top!!!
Spiritually I've been trying to improve myself too! I've been listening to LDS talks all year, but more recently I started listening to Hugh Nibley talks! Hugh Nibley is amazing and he says it like it is. Sometimes it's tough, and the truth hurts, but I just love him!
As important as it is to be physically fit, it's even more important to be spiritually fit! BUT! I think to be our best spiritually, we have to be strong physically, and in contrast to be our best physically we have to be strong spiritually! Our bodies and spirits are SO connected, it's ridiculous!
Hmm let's see...I've also purchased a guitar and I'm attempting to learn how to play. Let's just say...it's a slow process for the rhythmically and coordination-challenged.
"Turn-offs:
Picky eaters. I want a man who will eat what I give him. I want a man who likes to try new food. I want a man who will eat any flavor hummus I concoct. I'm not saying he can't have a few dislikes, I don't like peppers or rye bread, but let's not get crazy.
Swearing. Okay, now here's where I get really hypocritical. I've definitely done a lot of swearing in my life. Most especially in the 7-8th grade (My mouth was dirtier than a 20 year-old latrine boiling in West Virginia). BUT! I can't help it, when I hear a man swear I cringe and think, "Ick, really?" Now I don't swear as much these days, but I slip here and there. So I guess I should be more forgiving of men who occasionally slip too. Hmm, maybe. I'll be honest though, a certain man I find very attractive said the "D" word, and maybe one or two other little ones in my presence, and I got over it. So maybe this turn-off is a secondary one. I'd prefer it if swearing wasn't a regular occurrence, but if you slip here or there, or throw in a "D" word- I'll probably forgive you. But as a general rule, swearing is stupid!
Showing off your underclothes, tramp stamp canvas, or happy trails. Don't get me wrong, one day I might want to see your manscape- but save it for the honeymoon. Now you might be thinking, "Hey baby, I'm just giving you a preview." But guess what, it's more like the when I saw the trailer for RENT. I knew I didn't want it 39 seconds in. The best preview you can give is clothing that fits. Jeans, pants, suits, shorts, onesies- bring them on! Okay...so I don't want to see your crack, lower back, or...well, anyway, I don't want to see it. But even more, I don't want to see your LDS garments. Garments are a personal and sacred thing, and there isn't a whole lot more that turns me off than seeing your personal business hanging out the back. Oh and ps, we can see your bum through them. So A. I feel uncomfortable for seeing your sacred undies, and B. I can see you bum. Lesson: Cover up! For now...bwahahaha.
Liking lame bands. If I ask you, "What kind of music do you like? Specifically, which bands?" And you answer, "Nickleback, Creed, Atreyu etc." You've just been tested, and you FAILED.
Being too beefy. I'm not saying you shouldn't work out! Do, it's wonderful for your health! I can see how it would get addicting to, weight training I mean, but take back a few notches. If you can't have your arms parallel to your torso, you've gone too far. If your arms are wider than my thighs, you've really gone too far. If you have cleavage that exceeds an Olsen twin in a push-up, you may have gone too far. If you have more than 6 visible ab muscles, you've gone too far (I count 8 here, he's gone too far. Plus, eww.)If I can't see your Adam's-apple because your neck and shoulder muscles swallowed it, you've gone too far. Let's all be healthy, but let's not be obsessed. Moderation in all things guys!"
The Punch Brothers live at the Egyptian Theater in Ogden, Utah. I was continually smitten by all of them.
Change of Sunday Meeting House! We now meet in the building right behind my house so I can walk to church, and we went from 9 am to 1 pm until further notice!
Working for the school district to help with evaluations. It's been great seeing all of the schools, teachers, and classrooms! Also...money is nice.
Finding two new roommates! Jernae and Charity are moving in at the beginning of June!
Coming Attraction: MY MOM VISITING ME!
Holi Festival!
Kid History 4
So life is good...and men are too...but that doesn't mean I should think about the latter all the time.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
BEEF up your tuna.
I have other posts in the works, but for now I wanted to share something yummy.
I love tuna fish sandwiches. Love em. But they can be quite unhealthy. Mayo out the wazoo, bread choice, and extras (cheese for a patty melt) can make your meal ridiculous. And so I wanted to share some yummy and healthy alternatives to dress up the amazing tuna fish sandwich.
Use Vegenaise. I LOVE this stuff. It comes in several varieties, all vegan. Rather than using animal fat it uses olive oils, vegetable oil, etc. And of course it tastes wonderful!
Add some lettuce. I prefer green leaf.
Add avocado, don't mix it in, spread it on the bread.
Add apple cut into little pieces
Other add-ins:
tomato
grapes
spinach
cucumbers
hummus
thinly sliced raw zucchini
onion
green onion
pickle
peppers
sprouts
Yummy! Here's my version of ants on a log! Sorry the picture is blurry- I used my phone bc I couldn't wait to eat it! Celery with fresh crushed peanut butter, raw honey, and chocolate covered sunflower seeds!
I love tuna fish sandwiches. Love em. But they can be quite unhealthy. Mayo out the wazoo, bread choice, and extras (cheese for a patty melt) can make your meal ridiculous. And so I wanted to share some yummy and healthy alternatives to dress up the amazing tuna fish sandwich.
Use Vegenaise. I LOVE this stuff. It comes in several varieties, all vegan. Rather than using animal fat it uses olive oils, vegetable oil, etc. And of course it tastes wonderful!
Add some lettuce. I prefer green leaf.
Add avocado, don't mix it in, spread it on the bread.
Add apple cut into little pieces
Other add-ins:
tomato
grapes
spinach
cucumbers
hummus
thinly sliced raw zucchini
onion
green onion
pickle
peppers
sprouts
Friday, February 4, 2011
The Third Day of Valentines
In true Laura fashion, my third Day of Valentine's completely contradicts my previous health-pumped days. For my thrid day I was feeling awful- I'm sure it's chemical. My favorite artist said, more or less, at an open house, "If nothing is working, and everything is terrible, and everyone is terrible- it's probably chemical."
So what's my solution for an injured foot, a disheartening "talk" with someone about my work performance, anxiety, and overall poopy feelings? ICE CREAM!
Now I realize it's never a good idea to eat my feelings- but it's not a regular occurence. I usual listen to music, work out, or rant my feelings when I'm feeling awful (and now I sometimes play the guitar!). So I wanted some ice cream therapy and I ate a bowl of ice cream. I wont lie, I wanted someone to bring me ice cream so I didn't have to walk on my muscle strained foot- but in the end I bucked up and went to the store for some cookies and cream. I don't have any junk food on hand, I guess I always figure if I want it enough to go buy it, then I can have it.
So there you have it, the third day- I ate some major empty and delicious calories.
So what's my solution for an injured foot, a disheartening "talk" with someone about my work performance, anxiety, and overall poopy feelings? ICE CREAM!
So there you have it, the third day- I ate some major empty and delicious calories.
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