Handel's Messiah

The ad 

Some people celebrated 12/12/12 with wedding nuptials.  My family celebrated it with traditional Advent. Last night, I took my mom to dinner and Handel's Messiah.  It was an enjoyable evening (better than some weddings I've attended).  It felt apropos since she was the one who introduced me to the music.  When I was little, I remember the woman playing the timpani, the color of the trumpet, and the audience standing for the Hallelujah chorus. The program had the text in its entirety with the Bible verses, which was helpful.  Now, I really like the choruses: I'm not sure if that's due to maturity or theological development or mere coincidence.

We went to Harvest Moon Grille for dinner.  It's one of those hipster joints that only uses local food.  It was delish! Mom got the kale salad and smoked chicken breast.  I got the roasted squash salad and pork shank.  I've never had sweet potatoes au gratin before, but they were good.  Even the butter was local and yummy.

Katniss expansion

Katniss Everdeen has caused quite a stir. Here's a review of other amazing chicks in books. Greatest Girl Characters in YA Lit

Here's a blog post by my favorite fashion blogger: Starts with a K, where her outfit pays homage to Katniss, and she suggests books that are similar to the Hunger Games series.

After having watched the Hunger Games movie and being disappointed, the friend with me pointed out, "It could have been much worse." He was right, but I suggest watching Winter's Bone. I feel that the stories have extremely similar themes, plots, and characters. The main difference is setting: the Ozark mountains in the modern times.

My favorite part of the Hunger Games movie has been the soundtrack. Here's the playlist:

1. "Abraham's Daughter" by Arcade Fire
2. "Tomorrow Will Be Kinder" by The Secret Sisters
3. "Nothing to Remember" by Neko Case
4. "Safe & Sound" by Taylor Swift featuring The Civil Wars
5. "The Ruler & The Killer" by Kid Cudi
6. "Dark Days" by Punch Brothers
7. "One Engine" by The Decemberists
8. "Daughter's Lament" by Carolina Chocolate Drops
9. "Kingdom Come" by The Civil Wars
10. "Take the Heartland" by Glen Hansard
11. "Come Away to the Water" by Maroon 5 featuring Rozzi Crane
12. "Run Daddy Run" by Miranda Lambert ft Pistol Annies
13. "Rules" by Jayme Dee
14. "Eyes Open" by Taylor Swift
15. "Lover is Childlike" by The Low Anthem
16. "Just a Game" by Birdy

My favorite tracks are 3,10, 13, and 16, but I like most of them.

recent music fixations

Civil Wars' "Poison and Wine"

Bedouin Soundclash "Brutal Hearts"

So you need smokey eye makeup to listen to these songs because they're so groovy. But, I listen to them in sweat shirts. You have my permission to do the same. Enjoy