How can you not love a skinny, musician who gives concerts in suits and ties and kicks off his shoes on stage before he begins?
I can't believe, among my other favorites, I haven't blogged about my great love of Andrew Bird before now. We discovered him entirely by accident when he opened for Ani DiFranco at a concert in Indianapolis years ago. He plays violin like a mandolin, like a bass, like an electric guitar (and also, well, like a violin). Oh, and he plays electric guitar too. And xylophone. And he whistles. (Yes, I am aware how odd this sounds. You'll have to trust me and check it out).
He plays back loops of his astonishing strummings and pluckings, and layers additional loops on top of that. Then sings on top of that. And whistles.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Studies & Prelims
In an attempt to calm myself down about my imminent prelims, I am trying to incorporate my studies into my "happy place" that is this blog. I've just sent my proposed exam questions on to my committee chair, and am planning on Spring Break to complete the 7 day portion of the exams. I mentioned to some of my composition students the possibility of their getting the class period before Spring Break off because I'll be doing these exams, and one of my sweet little freshmen said, "Why would you want to do that?" And I said, "because I want to be a doctor."
So here are some of my lovely books that inspire me, that don't evoke anxiety attacks when I look to my bookshelves. They're on the top shelf. The anxiety-inducing ones are just outside the photo.
Don't get me wrong. I can't wait to write. I want to finish this so that I can plan and write, instead of cramming and jotting down notes on endless post-its stuck to every surface of this room (including one on the lampshade, two on a potted plant, several on the calendar, one on an index card that I taped to my desk when I ran out of post-its, and one on the edge of this computer screen). I just have to jump through this flaming hoop for 24 hours, and then for 7 days, and come out the other side.
So here are some of my lovely books that inspire me, that don't evoke anxiety attacks when I look to my bookshelves. They're on the top shelf. The anxiety-inducing ones are just outside the photo.
Don't get me wrong. I can't wait to write. I want to finish this so that I can plan and write, instead of cramming and jotting down notes on endless post-its stuck to every surface of this room (including one on the lampshade, two on a potted plant, several on the calendar, one on an index card that I taped to my desk when I ran out of post-its, and one on the edge of this computer screen). I just have to jump through this flaming hoop for 24 hours, and then for 7 days, and come out the other side.