A is for Architecture

[ Image] Guggenheim Museum in Bilboa

As of right now, I'm keeping a list of my favourite architects. Architecture fascinates me and always has. I'm gaining more insights as I learn more about this art that shapes us. The buildings I love most are the ones take us to a whole new world, a complete dimension we never knew existed. Architecture has many sounds, temperature, color, light, texture, space and so much more. We live inside and out of these buildings. I just needed someone to point these details out for me. It's frozen music to our ears and a light that shines through me. I keep viewing buildings with a new vision, with eyes that help me see in ways I haven't seen before. Architecture started from the beginning of civilization and continues its rhythms today, it will never stop. It's everything besides just beauty and structure. It gives us reasons to travel the world. In this case, I would rather be in Barcelona right now, revisiting the works of Antoni Gaudi. Architecture writes history and memories for people even though men built these buildings in the first place. There's life in architecture that goes beyond the walls. The inspiration to my aspiration.

Favourite Architects (In No Favorable Order)

Antoni Gaudi

I.M. Pei

Santiago Calatrava

Rem Koolhaas

Frank Gehry

Mies van der Rohe

You Found Me

I love the Fray. And even though they're always overplayed on the radio, I still listen to a few of their songs. Especially "You Found Me" which almost exactly describes my college life so far. Heading off to college in your own state and living at home is a bit like stranded on an island. This is especially true when you don't know anyone. It hasn't been frightening but more of a confusing lonely experience and I must say I don't regret it. We need strangers and I've learned this. Knowledge is power, but it can also be a challenging struggle when you don't understand what's being taught. Today I've pulled through a day of general chemistry just by complete strangers who have helped me to understand. Now when I come to think of it, there have been good strangers who have always helped me wherever I go. Small acts of kindness are louder than you will ever know. Yes, there are good people out there and many kind strangers I'd like to thank for pulling me out when I'm stuck. 

Where were you, when everything was falling apart.
All my days were spent by the telephone that never rang
And all I needed was a call that never came

Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me

Put Your Hands Up for Disco Traxx

The talk is all about two major French electronica record labels who set a trend around the world. Ed Banger Records and Kitsuné Maison are in company with artists that cause the night life in disco clubs. Artists signed with Ed Banger Records: Justice, SebastiAn, Mr Oizo, and Mr Flash are just a few to name. Artists with releases on Kitsuné Maison include: Boys Noize, Hot Chip, Klaxons, Simian Mobile Disco and Yelle. Ed Banger Records and Kitsuné Maison compile a variety of collections from several artists in different genres of music, not just electronica. Their compilations include original songs as well as remixes. Each of their album covers feature colourful and creative artwork. The songs have surprising electro beats that capture the night life for house lovers. What would we do without these artists and record labels who keep bringing the best to the electronic dance scene?! "I believe" "it's the beat" in "D.A.N.C.E." and "over the top" "crimewave" that keeps all of this going "over and over" "one more time." How's that for using a sentence with several references to electro song titles? :]

Shirts That Aren't So Funny

Unless of course, you love English and studied rhetoric for so long now. 

(Image Courtesy of mental_floss)

A lovely song

Song: Her Morning Elegance by Oren Lavie

Free download of the week on iTunes. Thank you iTunes for introducing me to this song and video. Absolutely adore the lyrics and the creativity of it all. 

sur le papier

Everything makes more sense on paper. It's as if a pen and paper can solve problems and clear muddled thoughts away. Ink on paper feels permanent like nothing could ever be erased. There's something about words written on paper that allow us to geniunely express our emotions, it's tangible. As much as I love technology, I still love writing and sending letters through the mail. I'm always excited when I open a letter from a friend in Germany, Florida or Texas. Even though they're miles and miles away, it's always a comfort to read their words and the stories tell. I've kept a journal for nine years and throughout those years, my handwriting has continually evolved. An individual's handwriting has a story, a personality trait underneath the lines. I still study these lines, loving and admiring how different one person's handwriting is to another. 

Even though GPS systems are useful and handy these days, I still prefer using maps. The maps you unfold to find directions and then folding them back so you don't appear as a tourist. I used to think underground transportation was hard to get by. I just didn't understand until last summer when I ventured off to places on my own in the Underground in London. Then I found my way with an Octopus through the MTR Stations in Hong Kong. On a recent weekend trip to Paris, I navigated and acted as a guide to find the Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower. Sometimes I think I'm more lost in my own city than abroad. Maybe home is calling me from all ends of the Earth. Or I enjoy connecting all the dots that lead me in the right direction. I'm not quite sure what it is, but I'll continue expressing and finding myself with simply paper and ironically, my blog. 

Hallmark Cards & Cards in General

The joyous thing about going to Hallmark is finding all these greeting cards you couldn't find anywhere else. There's plenty of cards for almost every occassion. My favourites are the ones that complete inside jokes. Also, the singing cards make me laugh out loud every time I open a card. When it's dead silent and you open a singing card, it becomes unbearably hilarious. Giving and receiving cards are both fun either way. Cards say the words you need or want to say that you maybe couldn't say in person. I'm not favouring Hallmark over any other card brand, but Hallmark is just great in general. Today I received a Thank You card and inside was a message, short and sweet. But my question is, how do you respond to Thank You cards? Thank You for your Thank You card?! Although it's always nice to thank others, this cycle would continue and then you would think to yourself, "why are we thanking each other again?"  

La Vie En Rose

After watching a few foreign films on international flights, I have a new deeply interest in foreign films.

French lovers will adore La Vie En Rose, a French film about Edith Piaf, a legendary French singer. I loved it and by the end of the movie, I was almost brought to tears. Edith Piaf lived a life full of tragedies. When she was a child, her mother abandoned her on the streets so she could fulfill her dreams as a singing artist. Edith Piaf was always moved from place to place. People didn't always treat her the best, but wherever she went, she found love. I fell in love with all the songs, Edith Piaf and the movie as a whole. Edith has this unique personality that is a little bizarre to me, but somehow I understand her. She's a masterpiece I can relate to. Edith Piaf never thought she was bad at singing until someone told her and trained her how to sing. From all of my rigorous years of vocal/choir training, I know how difficult it is to perform and feel the music. Although Edith Piaf went through much heartache and suffering, she never gave up and found passion in music. I've learned a few lessons from La Vie En Rose. Always have faith in a higher power as well as in yourself. Love others, find love and never give up in love. You can't change how you were raised as a child. All your memories and everything you go through, lives within you. Despite all the negative challenges every one faces, I think everyone ends up living a good life. And I think Edith Piaf couldn't agree more with her song, "Non, je ne regrette rien" which translates "no, I regret nothing." La Vie En Rose is a compelling emotional experience with riveting music, an absolute unforgettable film.