It's Fall! Hooray!

(a list of fall to-do's...or as other bloggers have called it... an autumnal "treasure hunt")


I can't wait to...
...go see this, maybe this and this, and definately this with my sister
...read this, re-read this and this, and enjoy this again
...laugh at this, cry with this, dance around the room with this and finally see this
...enjoy sweet fall flavors with this, and this
...cheer on these guys and these guys and anxiously anticipate this

So it's a work in progress. Look for more.

Rainer Maria Rilke.

So I added Rainer Maria Rilke to the I'm Loving section this week. And I thought, in honor of one of THE most beautiful books I've ever read, I would explain just why it is I'm loving Rilke and his Letters to a Young Poet.
So here, blog friends, is my list of 4 reasons why you should immerse yourself in Rilke's literary stylings:
1- His effortless, accessible language. I have found in my reading of "classic" or "old" literature, especially in poetry, that many of the authors are hard to relate to. Words draw me in when I find them in myself. Let me tell you, Rilke speaks my language. Granted I don't say things like: "Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write."(Letter 1) But I would think, "hmmm, what within myself is urging me deeply to do the things I love?"

2- The fact that these are personal pieces of correspondence. Letters are insightful, personal, and one of my favorite means of communication. Plus Rilke writes a wicked great one.

3- His relevent subject matter. Mr. Kappus, the recipient of Rilke's letters, was young when receiving his mail. Young like myself. Troubled with the same issues those of us "coming of age" struggle with daily. Rilke speaks of ambitions, love, faith, solitude, learning, etc, all of which speak to me. "...I am touched by your beautiful anxiety about life..." (Letter 4)

4- "You are so young, so much before all beginning, and I would like to beg you, dear Sir, as well as I can, to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now." (Letter 4)
(This is simply reason enough!)

I'd definitely recommend the letters and everything Rilke. I believe you won't be disappointed. In fact, I think you'll be profoundly affected.

To quote another source..."The History Boys"...
Hector says, "The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - which you had thought special and particular to you. And now, here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out, and taken yours."
Rilke set down my words long before I existed.

Oh the fall.

Soooooo busy these days with work and wishing there was just a wee bit more time for getting blog-happy...
Hopefully more to report later.

A sad loss.

So it isn't that sad. But my camera died. In honor of her good, long lasting life, I thought I would honor her and her years of service with this haiku.

capture moments past-
filing away the memories
that liven my now


But, as one camera shutter refuses to close, another one is on the way.
Welcome DSC W55 to the family.

The itunes free download

Right now I'm listening to Cristantes sing "Nuevo Mundo." I don't know Spanish. I've never heard of Christantes. I have no idea what Nuevo Mundo means. It's catchy with lots of electric guitar, a snare drum driving beat and a hint of Ricky Martin appeal.

This is the power of the itunes free download.

Every Tuesday I review the itunes homepage, perusing for new obscure music, hoping to find a gem of an artist that I listen to, on repeat of course, at work. There, near the lower left hand side of the screen, lies the most wonderful, tempting link of all: The free download. I can't resist. It could be heavy metal in German, it could be a long sing-songy tune from Legally Blonde (which is was one week), or, as was the case today, it could be "Nuevo Mundo." Now I'm listening to Bat for Lashes chant "Horse and I," another product of the free download that is methodically drumming out a whispery tune reminding me of equal part military march and church hymn. I would have never come across this musical mix had it not been for my addiction to the free download.

Something about all things free draws us in. Maybe it stems from my college (and current) stage of minimal disposal income...maybe it just comes from FREE being the most un-heard-of term ever, but I love the musical surprises that come each week. Thank you Apple.

My name is Laura and I'm a free download addict.

PS- for those of you who are as Spanish illiterate as myself..."Nuevo Mundo" means New World.