The best part of waking up is...

Two Women at a Window, Bartolome Esteban Murillo

My favorite part of...

lattes  the foamy milk that gets stuck at the bottom of the cup, requiring you to stick your entire face in there to get it all

hand lotion  that finally-soaked-in feeling when your hands don't feel greasy anymore

spoons  getting them to stick to your forehead like my Uncle Rick does

novels  finding out that what you thought was going to happen is nowhere near as juicy as what actually happens

handwriting  making up your own style without worrying about getting marks taken off in school

apples  the sweetness that lasts through the entire fruit, and I mean everything but the seeds

poems  how one day a poem will explain your feelings entirely but the next day it makes no sense

musicals  seeing your guy friends dressed in pastel suits and makeup

classical music  how I can listen to it as loudly as possible and it still won't distract me from my homework (unlike blogging)

mechanical pencils  smooth as lead and never in need of sharpening

windows  the way they let in the morning light and wake me up

museums  the conversations they inspire

gift shops  finally being able to touch and pick up something after just looking for hours

rain  the way it sounds on my roof and lulls me to sleep

today  how friends show up exactly when I need them

Drink it up

So I was sitting at the computer this morning, enjoying a Fiber One Bar with chocolate chips in it and a latte from the cafe on campus when a thought (which is not new to me or many others) occurred to me.  "Gee why is this cup of delicious steamed milk and espresso so darn expensive?"  A little Googling and common sense led me to this conclusion:  Because we'll pay for it.  Yes, I admit it.  I have paid way too much for coffee, but I also admit that I like it, gosh darn it.

For those of you who would rather reason your way out of consumer guilt, I recommend this article from the blog Bad Money Advice:  http://badmoneyadvice.com/2009/05/the-end-of-the-latte-era.html.  I like how he talks about the "Latte Factor" as a "Popeye Ploy."  What cute terminology for a social phenomenon like $4 lattes.
Anyway, I choose not to feel guilty for this morning's latte.  It is yummy, already paid for (using meal plan "flex points"), and heck, it might even help me prevent Parkinson's disease. (http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/coffee_health_benefits).

Even more than coffee, I appreciate a good cup of tea.  There is nothing more delightful than conversation with Mom and friends over a perfectly brewed pot of tea and no place is cuter than a home town tea room.  The attention that goes into every pot is important, but only a true tea lover will recognize this.  Depending on the type of tea you want to make, the temperature of the water you use and the brewing time is different.  Basically, you don't want to over-boil your white and green teas because their flavors are more delicate than your black teas, which do require boiling water.  I respect everyone's personal preferences, but I must say my favorite teas are Darjeeling, Jasmine Green Tea, and good old Earl Grey.  Yumm...

Tea is really quite cool, because all true tea (except herbal "tea") comes from one plant, the Camellia sinensis.  The type of tea produced depends on where the tea was grown, at what altitude, and the climate of the location.  When the tea leaves were picked, how they were heat- and moisture- treated, as well as how much they were crushed also effects the tea.  Tea has quite an interesting science behind it!   When choosing tea, know that the smaller the leaves are, the lower the quality of the drink will be.  Look for loose tea or "pyramid bags" that allow water to circulate around the leaves.  Pay attention to the smell and color of the tea and learn about what you like and what you don't.  Most of all, brew your tea with love.

At home in the cupboard sits my tea cup collection, which I insist be used and not just admired.  I enjoy using my beautiful tea cups because they remind me of the people who gave them to me.  Every delicate cup has a story behind it, from where it was found to the occasion on which it was given.  I have cups from birthdays, Christmases, and even thrift store finds, which can be as exciting as a holiday.  One of my best cups (because it has a great shape for holding and drinking tea) was a gift from my Grandmother and her husband Roland.  It is decorated with "September" in beautiful script and lovely purple flowers.  I love visiting Grandma and Roland because we always drink green tea brewed English style.  Roland shared wonderful stories about how his mother, a true Brit, always used a brown tea pot made from a particular type of pottery with a spout that turned down.  Oh, how I wish to know the traditions of all tea drinkers!  I truly believe tea is a unifying thing in our culture and in our world.  The tea party is a symbol of tradition and refinement in many cultures, especially in Japan.  Attending a Japanese tea ceremony is definitely on my list of things to do before I die.  I hope to learn more about the world through my love of tea.

So remember:  Love your coffee, love your tea, but most of all, love the people you share these delightful beverages with.

sources:
http://www.coffee-tea.co.uk/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea

I always knew I liked this guy

Ask me who my favorite actor is and I will say Jimmy Stewart, hands down. A little bit of Googling led me to the conclusion that I picked a pretty good guy to call my favorite. This handsome fellow was not only an incredible actor, but he was an incredible person too. I appreciate his dedication to making good, clean movies with valuable plots and characters. There's even more...

He was very intelligent, a lovable guy, could play the accordion, wrote poetry, was humble and friendly, believed in the USA, fell in love with a former model, supported Scouting, served as a Major General in the Air Force, almost became an architect, hosted philanthropic events, was a roommate with Henry Fonda, found pleasure in gardening and even performed on Broadway. What an admirable combination of attributes and accomplishments!

Here's his poem:

"Beau"

by Jimmy Stewart

He never came to me when I would call
Unless I had a tennis ball,
Or he felt like it,
But mostly he didn't come at all.

When he was young
He never learned to heel
Or sit or stay,
He did things his way.

Discipline was not his bag
But when you were with him things sure didn't drag.
He'd dig up a rosebush just to spite me,
And when I'd grab him, he'd turn and bite me.

He bit lots of folks from day to day,
The delivery boy was his favorite prey.
The gas man wouldn't read our meter,
He said we owned a real man-eater.

He set the house on fire
But the story's long to tell.
Suffice it to say that he survived
And the house survived as well.

On the evening walks, and Gloria took him,
He was always first out the door.
The Old One and I brought up the rear
Because our bones were sore.

He would charge up the street with Mom hanging on,
What a beautiful pair they were!
And if it was still light and the tourists were out,
They created a bit of a stir.

But every once in a while, he would stop in his tracks
And with a frown on his face look around.
It was just to make sure that the Old One was there
And would follow him where he was bound.

We are early-to-bedders at our house--
I guess I'm the first to retire.
And as I'd leave the room he'd look at me
And get up from his place by the fire.

He knew where the tennis balls were upstairs,
And I'd give him one for a while.
He would push it under the bed with his nose
And I'd fish it out with a smile.

And before very long
He'd tire of the ball
And be asleep in his corner
In no time at all.

And there were nights when I'd feel him
Climb upon our bed
And lie between us,
And I'd pat his head.

And there were nights when I'd feel this stare
And I'd wake up and he'd be sitting there
And I reach out my hand and stroke his hair.
And sometimes I'd feel him sigh
and I think I know the reason why.

He would wake up at night
And he would have this fear
Of the dark, of life, of lots of things,
And he'd be glad to have me near.

And now he's dead.
And there are nights when I think I feel him
Climb upon our bed and lie between us,
And I pat his head.

And there are nights when I think
I feel that stare
And I reach out my hand to stroke his hair,
But he's not there.

Oh, how I wish that wasn't so,
I'll always love a dog named Beau.

I like this quote from Wikipedia:

"From the beginning of James Stewart's career in 1935 through his final theatrical project in 1991, he appeared in 92 films, television programs and shorts. Through the course of this illustrious career, he appeared in many landmark and critically acclaimed films, including such classics as Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Rear Window, The Spirit of St. Louis and Vertigo. His roles in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The Philadelphia Story, It's a Wonderful Life, Harvey, and Anatomy of a Murder earned him Academy Award nominations (he won for Philadelphia Story). Stewart's career defied the boundaries of genre and trend, and he made his mark in screwball comedies, suspense thrillers, westerns, biographies and family films."

Basically, if you haven't seen the movies highlighted in orange, get on it now.


Jimmy Quotes:

"I have my own rules and adhere to them. The rule is simple but inflexible. A James Stewart picture must have two vital ingredients: it will be clean and it will involve the triumph of the underdog over the bully."

"I don`t act. I react."

"Asked how he wanted to be remembered: As someone who believed in hard work and love of country, love of family and love of community."

**swoon**

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Stewart
http://www.meredy.com/jimmystewart/beau.htm
http://www.quotelucy.com/quotations/7357/182357-jimmy-stewart-quote.html

" Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination." ~Oscar Wilde

What is it about boutiques that are so much fun? They are a grown-up girl's version of a candy shop... Fine stationary, eclectic books, hand dyed scarves, gardening goodies, exquisite soaps, one-of-a-kind dresses, original displays, and inspiring decor. This filled my day in Oak Park. What began at a Resident Student Association trip to a nearby resale shop ("Green since 1919") became a day of exploring the cute shops and galleries of downtown Oak Park, Illinois. Perhaps the joy of the day came from the adventure. There was no need to buy anything, but the boutique workers didn't need to know that! My roommate and I even tried on matching dresses... oh, so tempting. It's a fun challenge: resisting the temptation of buying all the fabulous, fun things! I enjoy looking for potential gifts, deals, and most of all just seeing what is out there. There's no need to fret over the price tag if you're not going to buy it-- you can still admire it!

So here is my simple living, little things in life advice of the day:
Go ahead and "just look." Don't be afraid to admire the beautiful things a shop may have, just be respectful of the merchandise and other people there. Smile as you enter a store and respond with " I'm wonderful, how are you?" when the worker behind the register asks how you are today. Ask questions about the products-- the people who run the shop are usually passionate about the things they sell. Try things on-- fall in love with a perfectly fitting dress and then leave it there. If it truly is perfect for you, you'll just have to work for the money to but it. There certainly is something fulfilling about buying something you've had your eyes on for a little while. The key is not to attach your own value to the things you own or desire. Remember, as they say in this week's Gospel reading: "You can't serve both God and mammon" (mammon=riches). If the shop owners/workers treat you in a snobby manner then perhaps you wouldn't want to support their business anyway. After all, some day you might return as a millionaire...

"A lovely light"

My trip to the library today left me feeling dreadfully unfulfilled. Not only did I have to limit myself to three magazines and two books (because I have required reading to do for college) but I was also confused and disappointed by the library's poetry section. The poetry books were jumbled in with literary criticism, short stories, and plays, (all of which are truly valuable) but all I wanted was a good book of poems!
I currently have a strong craving for poetry. This is something that cannot be ignored... it's almost like a girl's craving for chocolate during her time of the month... except worse.

In particular, I'm craving the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay. This poet and playwright is the kind of writer who writes like I think. Her words sound and feel like the words in my head, but they are new ideas and thoughts that I might not think of. Thank goodness for the internet, where I can have my fill of Edna, though I have to sacrifice the tactile pleasure of a good book. A little poking around led me to realize (yet again) that one of my favorite writers had a crazy life. Perhaps the roughness of her lifestyle--bohemian, free-loving, and fiercely feminist--is what makes her poetry so fascinating. She knew what made her happy, and somehow, though she and I are entirely different in lifestyle and personal choices, we happen to find happiness in the same things.
"Millay is the poetic voice of eternal youth, feminine revolt and liberation, and potent sensitivity and suggestiveness. Her best and most representative themes are bittersweet love, sorrow, the inevitability of change, resignation, death, and ever-abiding nature. One of her very best poems is her early, mystical "Renascence," about spiritual interment and resurrection through the cycles of nature" (Gale).

For instance, this poem describes the utter joy of spending a day enjoying the world all around you:

AFTERNOON ON A HILL

I will be the gladdest thing
Under the sun!
I will touch a hundred flowers
And not pick one.

I will look at cliffs and clouds
With quiet eyes,
Watch the wind bow down the grass,
And the grass rise.

And when lights begin to show
Up from the town,
I will mark which must be mine,
And then start down!

I love her use of images and punctuation, especially the exclamation point!

The cockeyed optimism of this poem reminds me of myself:

FIRST FIG

My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--
It gives a lovely light!

The mystery of this poem is simply beautiful:

LOW-TIDE

These wet rocks where the tide has been,
Barnacled white and weeded brown
And slimed beneath to a beautiful green,
These wet rocks where the tide went down
Will show again when the tide is high
Faint and perilous, far from shore,
No place to dream, but a place to die,--
The bottom of the sea once more.
There was a child that wandered through
A giant's empty house all day,--
House full of wonderful things and new,
But no fit place for a child to play.

I'm a sucker for a sonnet:

VIII

And you as well must die, beloved dust,
And all your beauty stand you in no stead;
This flawless, vital hand, this perfect head,
This body of flame and steel, before the gust
Of Death, or under his autumnal frost,
Shall be as any leaf, be no less dead
Than the first leaf that fell,--this wonder fled.
Altered, estranged, disintegrated, lost.
Nor shall my love avail you in your hour.
In spite of all my love, you will arise
Upon that day and wander down the air
Obscurely as the unattended flower,
It mattering not how beautiful you were,
Or how beloved above all else that dies.

Ahh, what truth, what ease of words, what beautiful rhythms... my craving is satiated (at least a little bit).

Quote and "First Fig" from Edna St. Vincent Millay's Life by Robert L. Gale

Poetry from everypoet.com: http://www.everypoet.com/archive/poetry/Edna_St_Vincent_Millay/edna_st_vincent_millay_contents.htm

"Anything too stupid to be said is sung" -Voltaire

Hum dee dum, while I'm at it, I think I'll make a rambling list of my favorite musicals... for yes, I do, indeed, love musicals.


An orderly list of Annwithane's favorite musicals in order of preference with the inclusion of a favorite song or number from each show:

1. South Pacific~ The Rogers and Hammerstein masterpiece. A social commentary with beautiful melodies, delightful lyrics, magical orchestrations and fantastic accents. My favorite, hands down.
Favorite song: A Cockeyed Optimist (I like to think of this as my theme song)

3. The Music Man~ Lida Rose, Gary Indiana, My White Knight, 76 trombones and a whole lot more. Trust me.
Favorite song: Lida Rose

4. Ragtime~ Intertwining stories, dramatic themes, historical truths, and lots and lots of gorgeous music.
Favorite song: Our Children / Buffalo Nickel Photoplay, Inc.

4. The Last 5 Years~ Two amazing singers and fourteen amazing songs. Thank you, Jason Robert Brown for this amazing piece of art.
Favorite song: Nobody Needs to Know

5. Into the Woods~ Cinderella was never the same after ever after...
Favorite song: No One Is Alone

6. Parade~ Though I have yet to see it on stage, I have fallen in love with the music. Another stirring, historically based show.
Favorite song: Finale

7. 42nd Street~ Any show you go to for the tap dancing is good enough for me, in fact, it's close to perfect.
Favorite song: A Quarter to Nine (usually sung by the ladies)

8. Rent~ Yes, I sound like a typical musical geek, but honestly, once you see the stage show, the movie will never suffice again.
Favorite song: Finale B

Ah, there are many more, but I simply can't list them all... By the way, I know a true friend when he/she can identify this list of mine. In order.
I'd love to hear what your favorites are... come on, I know you like musicals too :)